NewzIntel.com

Category: Economy

  • MIL-OSI Global: Itamar Ben-Gvir and Bezalel Smotrich: the Netanyahu government extremists sanctioned by the UK

    Source: The Conversation – UK – By Leonie Fleischmann, Senior Lecturer in International Politics, City St George’s, University of London

    The UK’s decision to impose sanctions on two far-right Netanyahu government ministers has put it at loggerheads with the Trump administration over Israel. Announcing on June 10 that Britain would join Canada, Australia, New Zealand and Norway in sanctioning Israel’s minister for national security, Itamar Ben-Gvir, and minister of finance, Bezalel Smotrich, the UK foreign secretary David Lammy said the pair had “incited extremist violence and serious abuses of Palestinian human rights”.

    US secretary of state Marco Rubio criticised the decision, releasing a statement the same day saying the sanctions did not “advance US-led efforts to achieve a ceasefire, bring all hostages home, and end the war”. He added: “We remind our partners not to forget who the real enemy is. The United States urges the reversal of the sanctions and stands shoulder-to-shoulder with Israel.”

    Britain and its allies also called on the Netanyahu government to respond to extremist Israeli settler violence in the West Bank and to “cease the expansion of illegal settlements which undermine a future Palestinian state”. This has brought the spotlight back to the West Bank, where decades of settler violence towards Palestinians and a planning system which favours the Israeli settlers, have led to the gradual displacement of Palestinian communities.



    Read more:
    Israeli plan to occupy all of Gaza could open the door for annexation of the West Bank

    The announcement seemed to signal a possible breach in relations between the UK government and the Netanyahu government. But with conflict escalating between Israel and Iran, the UK’s chancellor of the exchequer, Rachel Reeves, has said the government may be willing to provide military support for Israel.

    Smotrich responded to the sanctions, speaking on his “contempt” at Britain’s decision and referring to Britain’s history of administration of what he called “our homeland”. He said: “Britain has already tried once to prevent us from settling the cradle of our homeland, and we will not allow it to do so again. We are determined to continue building.”

    In retaliation for the sanctions, Smotrich pledged to collapse the Palestinian Authority, by taking measures to prevent Israeli banks for corresponding with Palestinian banks. This has been vital for sustaining the Palestinian economy.

    UK foreign secretary, David Lammy, explains why the government has sanctioned the two Israeli ministers.

    Ben-Gvir and Smotrich and their ultra-nationalist followers actually represent a relatively small fraction of Israeli society, but they hold the balance of power in Netanyahu’s coalition, controlling 20 seats in Netanyahu’s 67-seat coalition. This has enabled them to consolidate decades of settler activity outside of parliamentary legitimacy into influencing government policy.

    Itamar Ben-Gvir

    Ben-Gvir is an admirer of the late racist rabbi Meir Kahane, who founded the far-right Kach party which was labelled a terrorist organisation in 2008 having been banned from running in parliamentary elections. In 2007 he was convicted for incitement to racism and being a supporter of a terrorist organisation.

    He subsequently told an event to honour Kahane that, while he admired Kahane, he would not try to pass laws to expel all Arabs from Israel and the West Bank or to create a regime which involved ethnic segregation. But Kahane’s violent anti-Arab ideology and desire to establish a theocratic Jewish state has influenced the next generation of ultra-nationalists.

    The national security minister has been convicted eight times for offences that include racism and support for a terrorist organisation. He gained prominence as a successful defence lawyer for Jews accused of violence against Palestinians. The political party he heads, Otzma Yehudit, advocates for the annexation of the entire West Bank without granting Palestinians Israeli citizenship.

    Ben-Gvir has become infamous for his provocative statements. In August 2023, he declared in an interview with Israel’s Channel 12, that his rights trump those of Palestinians in the occupied West Bank.

    “My right, and my wife’s and my children’s right to get around on the roads in Judea and Samaria, is more important than the right to movement for Arabs,” he said, effectively advocating for a regime of apartheid. He has consistently pushed Netanyahu to maintain the war in Gaza, blocking past attempts to reach a ceasefire.

    Bezalel Smotrich

    Smotrich also has a history of making inflammatory statements. In February 2023, three days after settler vigilantes rampaged through the West Bank town of Huwara, he called for Israel to wipe the town off the map. He later apologised for this comment after being criticised by both the opposition leader, Yair Lapid, and the US government, saying he hadn’t meant it to be a call for vigilante violence.

    Smotrich believes the West Bank and the Gaza Strip are part of the biblical land of Israel and rightfully belong to the Jewish people. He has dedicated his career to ensuring the establishment of Jewish settlements.

    In 2006, he helped establish a non-governmental organisation called Regavim as a pressure group to increase settlement of the West Bank. The left-leaning Israeli newspaper Haaretz has criticised Regavim as “an organisation waging a total war on Palestinian construction in the West Bank”.

    Since Smotrich was given increased control over civil affairs on the West Bank in early 2023, the building of illegal settlements in the occupied West Bank has accelerated. He is reported to have recently directed his office to “formulate an operational plan for applying sovereignty” over the West Bank.

    He told a group touring new settlements approved by the Israeli government that: “”We will not stop until the entire area receives its full legal status and becomes an inseparable part of the State of Israel. We are changing the face of the settlement enterprise not just as a slogan, but through real action.”

    Rightward shift

    The prominence of Ben-Gvir and Smotrich reflects a rightward shift in the Israeli electorate that has brought ultra-nationalist settler ideology into the mainstream. However, their meteoric rise is also due to their holding the balance of power, which has enabled Netanyahu to remain in office. That Netanyahu remains prime minister is widely believed to be partly responsible for the slow progress of his trials for bribery, fraud and breach of trust.

    Before the November 2022 Knesset election, Netanyahu reportedly brokered a deal whereby Smotrich’s Religious Zionism Party and Ben-Gvir’s Jewish Home party joined forces. This ensured they won enough seats to ensure Netanyahu could form a coalition. And so these two extremists bent on thwarting any hope for Palestinian independence became kingmakers.

    While they have such influence over the Netanyahu government, there is no possibility for a Palestinian state. Instead it is more likely that the violence towards Palestinians and the dispossession of their land will continue to increase.

    Leonie Fleischmann does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.

    – ref. Itamar Ben-Gvir and Bezalel Smotrich: the Netanyahu government extremists sanctioned by the UK – https://theconversation.com/itamar-ben-gvir-and-bezalel-smotrich-the-netanyahu-government-extremists-sanctioned-by-the-uk-258644

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Business Insider: Millions of student-loan borrowers are getting a ‘financial scarlet letter’ that could risk their home purchases and job prospects, Elizabeth Warren says

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Massachusetts – Elizabeth Warren

    June 10, 2025

    Millions of student-loan borrowers could be facing a financial strain that will hinder their abilities to buy a house or get a new job, Sen. Elizabeth Warren said.

    Ahead of a Tuesday meeting with Linda McMahon, President Donald Trump’s education secretary, Warren published a blog post — first viewed by Business Insider — detailing her concerns with the Trump administration’s move to restart collections on defaulted borrowers’ student loans.

    After Trump announced on May 5 that consequences for student-loan defaults would resume after a five-year pause — including garishment of wages and federal benefits — the New York Federal Reserve released a report that said 8.04% of borrowers moved into serious delinquency in the first quarter of 2025, putting them at greater risk of defaulting this summer.

    …

    Read the full story here

    By:  Ayelet Sheffey
    Source: Business Insider

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Welch Joins Durbin, 39 Senate Democrats in Pressing Trump Administration to Resume Processing DACA Applications 

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Peter Welch (D-Vermont)

    The Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals recently limited a nationwide injunction to only Texas, giving the Administration the greenlight to resume processing initial DACA applications for all other states 
    WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Peter Welch (D-Vt.), a member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, joined U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-Ill.), Ranking Member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, and 39 Senate Democrats in urging U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) to resume processing applications for the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program, following a Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals ruling that limited a District Court’s injunction against DACA to only Texas. 
    The Senators began by highlighting the popular support for providing Dreamers a pathway to citizenship, writing: “Noncitizens brought to the United States as children, often known as Dreamers, are American in every way but their immigration status. Many only know this country as their home, and they contribute every day to this great nation by paying taxes and serving in critical roles, such as police officers, teachers, and nurses. Americans overwhelmingly support providing Dreamers a path to citizenship, and in December 2024, President Trump stated that he supported protections for Dreamers to remain in the United States.” 
    The Senators continued by making their request, writing: “Consistent with this statement, we implore you to use your authority at United States Citizenship and Immigration Services to resume processing initial applications for Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals and provide such protections for Dreamers immediately.” 
    Sunday, June 15 marked the thirteenth anniversary of President Obama establishing the DACA program. Since then, more than 825,000 people have received deferred action pursuant to DACA, empowering recipients to bolster their careers and contribute an estimated $140 billion to the U.S. economy in spending power and $40 billion in combined federal, payroll, state, and local taxes.  
    In 2021, U.S. District Court Judge Andrew Hanen halted the DACA program and enjoined USCIS from approving any new DACA applications nationwide. While the program was enjoined, USCIS has continued to accept and hold initial applications, and in 2022, the Department of Homeland Security published the DACA Final Rule, codifying the 2012 memorandum establishing DACA into regulation. More than 100,000 initial DACA applications are pending with USCIS. 
    On January 17, 2025, the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals issued a decision limiting Judge Hanen’s injunction to Texas. 
    The Senators further elaborated on the Fifth Circuit’s decision to limit the injunction, writing: “Pursuant to the order, in Texas, DACA must resume as a limited program providing protection from deportation for current DACA recipients, but without access to work authorization or driver’s licenses as part of those renewals. This order went into effect on March 11, giving USCIS the authority to start processing initial DACA applications from states other than Texas. However, nearly three months later, USCIS has not made any public announcement on whether new DACA applications will be processed; nor has the agency begun processing initial applications that have been pending with the agency for years.” 
    The Senators concluded by reiterating their request, writing: “We urge you to begin processing these DACA applications immediately, consistent with the Fifth Circuit decision and existing regulations, and to ensure Dreamers eligible to file initial DACA applications can do so as soon as possible.” 
    In addition to Senators Welch and Durbin, the letter is signed by U.S. Senators Tammy Baldwin (D-Wis.), Michael Bennet (D-Colo.), Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), Cory Booker (D-N.J.), Chris Coons (D-Del.), Catherine Cortez Masto (D-Nev.), Tammy Duckworth (D-Ill.), John Fetterman (D-Pa.), Ruben Gallego (D-Ariz.), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-N.Y.), Maggie Hassan (D-N.H.), Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.), John Hickenlooper (D-Colo.), Mazie Hirono (D-Hawaii), Tim Kaine (D-Va.), Mark Kelly (D-Ariz.), Andy Kim (D-N.J.), Angus King (I-Maine), Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.), Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.), Ed Markey (D-Mass.), Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.), Patty Murray (D-Wash.), Alex Padilla (D-Calif.), Gary Peters (D-Mich.), Jack Reed (D-R.I.), Jacky Rosen (D-Nev.), Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), Brian Schatz (D-Hawaii), Adam Schiff (D-Calif.), Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.), Elissa Slotkin (D-Mich.), Tina Smith (D-Minn.), Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.), Mark Warner (D-Va.), Raphael Warnock (D-Ga.), Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-R.I.), and Ron Wyden (D-Ore.). 
    Read and download the full text of the letter. For a PDF of the letter to USCIS, click here. 
    Last week, Senator Welch joined his colleagues for a forum examining the Trump Administration’s attacks on constitutional rights that define our country and highlighted DREAMERS as a group threatened by Trump’s lawless rampage. This Congress, Senator Welch joined 26 of his colleagues in introducing The Fair Day in Court for Kids Act of 2025, legislation to provide unaccompanied children with legal representation for their court when they appear in proceedings before an immigration judge. 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Governor Kehoe Applauds Accomplishments of Joint Recovery Effort One Month After EF-3 Tornado Devastated St. Louis

    Source: US State of Missouri

    JUNE 16, 2025

    Jefferson City — Today, Governor Mike Kehoe praised the united recovery effort in St. Louis that is moving the community forward following the devastating May 16 EF-3 tornado that destroyed or damaged thousands of homes and businesses, killed five people, and impacted the lives of tens of thousands of St. Louisans.

    The State of Missouri’s response began immediately, with the Missouri State Highway Patrol surging troopers to St. Louis to assist with law enforcement and traffic control and the Missouri Department of Transportationdeploying emergency response trucks and barricading impacted ramps and routes to assist with cleanup efforts. Governor Kehoe activated the state’s Urban Search and Rescue team, Missouri Task Force 1, which responded to the city and began search operations on May 16. The Missouri State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) also began initial damage assessments on May 16 and conducted joint damage assessments with city counterparts of thousands of buildings within days that have allowed the Federal Emergency Management Agency to begin approving FEMA assistance funding to residents last week.

    “From the moments immediately after the EF-3 tornado struck and each day since, Missourians have shown they will come to the aid for their neighbors, no matter how daunting the task before them,” Governor Kehoe said. “In our many visits to St. Louis over the last month, we have seen people come together to support one another. We could not control what occurred on the afternoon of May 16, but we are proving that we can control the path forward as we rebuild lives and homes in the months and years to come. We have directed our state disaster recovery agencies to continue to build on what they have already accomplished and do everything possible to assist in St. Louis. We are confident in St. Louis’s future because of the great work that has already been accomplished as we’ve worked as a united team.”

    SEMA’s team has worked around the clock to support the St. Louis response effort and continues to tirelessly assist in the St. Louis Emergency Operations Center and across the damage area, supplying support in emergency management command, operations, logistics, planning, finance and administration, transportation, and medical care, through the Missouri Disaster Medical Assistance Team (MO DMAT-1) and the Operations Division. Approximately 35% of the SEMA workforce has worked in St. Louis or supported tornado recovery efforts from SEMA headquarters over the last month. With the exception of a few days, SEMA Director Jim Remillard and Deputy Director Terry Cassil have spent the last month in St. Louis to support the recovery effort.

    “I have never been more impressed with the performance, professionalism, and dedication of any group of public servants than with SEMA’s effort to support the people of St. Louis,” Missouri Department of Public Safety Director Mark James said. “Their commitment, alongside additional state agencies, has been tireless, and they have integrated incredibly well working with St. Louis City Government, the St. Louis Fire Department, and all our other partners, playing an essential role in the progress that has been made in the community.”

    The State of Missouri’s response and recovery assistance over the last month has included:

    Missouri Task Force 1 (MO-TF1)

    MO-TF-1 was activated by Governor Kehoe and SEMA on May 16 and deployed an 88-person Type 1 Urban Search and Rescue Task Force and a 5-person Disaster Situation Awareness and Reconnaissance (DSAR) team to St. Louis. The team integrated with the St. Louis Fire Department and other search and rescue teams. MO-TF-1 searched and evaluated over 2,150 structures using state-of-the-art technological resources from May 16 to 18 and utilized drone technology to provide real-time situational awareness.

    SEMA Missouri Disaster Medical Assistance Team (MO DMAT-1)

    DMAT provided medical team members at St. Louis shelters housing people displaced by the tornado and Emergency Human Services staffing in the St. Louis Emergency Operations Center. In addition, DMAT team members have provided essential support to the St. Louis EOC in the areas of Operations, Planning, Logistics, and Finance and Administration. DMAT Logistics personnel also transported supplies and equipment to support the Disaster Assistance Center and the Multi-Agency Recovery Warehouse.

    SEMA Operations Division

    The SEMA Troop C – Urban regional coordinator responded immediately after the tornado hit on May 16 and continues to work out of the St. Louis Emergency Operations on a daily basis. Other SEMA regional coordinators from across the state have supported the St. Louis Emergency Operations Centers over the last month. The Operations Division also participated in initial damage assessments with local officials while response efforts were still ongoing. 

    SEMA Recovery Division

    The Recovery Division began conducting initial damage assessments with the local officials while response efforts were ongoing. A formal request to FEMA to conduct joint FEMA/SBA/SEMA/Local preliminary damage assessments for the Individual Assistance Program was submitted on May 19. The joint preliminary damage assessments for the were conducted May 21-24 and identified at least 512 homes destroyed, 1,321 homes sustaining major damage and 195 homes sustaining minor damage, totaling at least $17 million in expected FEMA and State of Missouri assistance to homeowners and renters. A request for a Major Presidential Disaster Declaration for designation of the Individual Assistance Program was signed by Governor Kehoe and submitted to FEMA on May 25. A formal request to FEMA to conduct joint FEMA/SEMA/Local preliminary damage assessments for the Public Assistance Program was submitted on May 23. Joint preliminary damage assessments for the Public Assistance Program were conducted May 28-June 3. A formal request was submitted to FEMA on June 6 for designation of the Public Assistance Program be added to the Major Presidential Disaster Declaration request for Individual Assistance submitted on May 25. These were approved by the President on June 9. FEMA had begun approving financial assistance to residents by June 12.

    SEMA Emergency Human Services

    SEMA’s Emergency Human Services Branch has been coordinating with local officials and faith-based and volunteer organizations, beginning with emergency sheltering needs since the May 16 tornado. SEMA has worked collaboratively with its partners to ensure the needs of those impacted by the tornado were met, including:

    • The American Red Cross has opened 21 shelters, providing 453 individuals with shelter for a total of 5,515 of shelter stays. ARC and its partners have been working to transition residents to longer-term sustainable housing solutions.
    • An array of charitable groups has provided over 285,000 hot meals.
    • The St. Louis Area Food bank has distributed over 350,000 pounds of food to organizations providing meals to storm survivors. It is also supplying community members with 500 food, water, and hygiene kits weekly at points of distribution in the impacted zone.
    • The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints has assembled and delivered 5,500 meal kits to those impacted.
    • The Urban League donated over 7,000 box meals to disaster survivors.
    • A 140,000 square-foot Multi-Agency Warehouse, operated for the City of St. Louis by Adventist Community Services Disaster Response, has opened to support long-term recovery operations by accepting donated supplies, including PPE and construction materials. The warehouse received its first delivery on June 8 and sent out its first truckload of supplies for distribution on June 13. The warehouse receives in-kind donated goods from companies, corporations and community collection drives and provides inventory and fair market value tracking to support FEMA’s local match disaster assistance funding requirements. Its inventory will supply an approved partner network within the impact zone to support long-term recovery.
    • United Way and AmeriCorps St Louis are coordinating the Volunteer Reception Center and to date have connected over 5,200 volunteers to disaster-related opportunities.
    • Convoy of Hope has distributed over 389,000 pounds of essential supplies to 20,379 individuals.
    • The Disaster Assistance Center (DAC) opened June 9 at Chaifetz Arena and will operate for three weeks,  providing a one-stop-shop where disaster survivors received financial assistance, information, referrals, and emergency supplies from over 30 state agencies, non-governmental organizations, faith-based organizations, St. Louis city government, and community organizations. The DAC served 1,276 households reaching 3,325 family members in its first four days of operation. State agencies involved include the Department of Social Services, which refilled SNAP benefits and signed up those eligible for SNAP benefits; Department of Commerce and Industry, which has been providing guidance and information to residents who are having insurance issues; Department of Revenue, which has had its License Office on Wheels at the DAC replacing driver licenses, motor vehicle titles, and providing all services available at fixed license offices. Missouri Department of Mental Health team members are serving as ambassadors at the DAC, providing emotional support and guidance to survivors going through the DAC process. The Attorney General’s Office has been on site advising residents about potential scams and scammers.

    Missouri Structural Assessment and Visual Evaluation (SAVE) Coalition

    From May 21-24 and June 7-10, the SAVE Coalition (a mobile reserve unit of SEMA) assisted the St. Louis Building Division with evaluating residences and businesses for structural integrity. Over 100 volunteer engineers, architects, and building officials from across Missouri spent more than 3,000 hours assisting St. Louis inspectors evaluate 6,748 structures, categorizing 2,136 as unsafe and 1,529 as restricted because of extensive damage. City inspectors went through SAVE’s standard one-day training class on rapid exterior building evaluations. They utilized mapping software to compile digital reports, to help guide city rebuilding efforts. “Without [the SAVE Coalition’s] assistance St. Louis would, I feel, be struggling with the task of trying to catalog the tremendous damage that occurred on May 16th,” said Ed Ware, St. Louis Building Commissioner.

    Missouri State Highway Patrol

    Troop C troopers began to assist the St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department immediately after the tornado struck on May 16, with 25 troopers assisting through May 17. The Patrol also provided additional assistance May 22-May 30, after receiving an additional request.  

    Missouri National Guard

    The Guard provided a Liaison Officer to St. Louis on May 20, which resulted in a request from the city for a Guard mission to support debris removal through an Engineer Task Force that provided a comprehensive debris clearance package. Engineer Teams deployed to St. Louis on May 28 and established and operated four debris collection sites and assisted with sorting, loading, transporting, and removing debris to designated landfills beginning on May 29. Operations involved close partnership with St. Louis Parks, Recreation and Forestry, and other city agencies. In its release letter to the Guard, the City of St. Louis called the Guard’s service “remarkable and exemplary.” The letter further noted that “the support enabled the city and its residents to remove the equivalent of well over 200 football fields piled one foot high with debris.” The debris drop-offs concluded at the Guard managed sites on June 8.

    Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services (DHSS)

    DHSS has deployed staff to the St. Louis EOC and the Disaster Assistance Center to support public health partners, health care efforts and survivors. DHSS has sent more than 20 pallets of PPE and supplies to the St. Louis region, totaling 207,658 goggles, N95 masks, protective coveralls, gloves, disinfectant wipes, and hand sanitizer. DHSS, in collaboration with state and local partners, provided guidance on environmental cleanup efforts and PPE recommendations for debris removal crews and citizen cleanup efforts.

    DHSS issued two important state regulatory waivers: facilitating the rapid deployment of meals to impacted senior living sites; and allowing pharmacists to fill controlled substance prescriptions for patients in impacted areas without a written prescription when they deemed it necessary. DHSS staff also received and disseminated a USDA Food and Nutrition Service waiver for replacement of the current month food benefits for WIC participants who had damaged food from the storms.

    DHSS has also assisted with data analysis from air sampling efforts in the St. Louis area and is continuing to monitor for any concerning health trends at local hospitals.

    Missouri Department of Commerce and Insurance (DCI)

    DCI continues to provide consumer support and guidance for those navigating insurance policies and the post-disaster claims process, including at the ongoing Disaster Assistance Center. DCI has assisted over 360 families at the DAC as of June 13. Consumer Affairs has also fielded hundreds of calls and is currently processing insurance complaints as a result of the storms. DCI leadership has met with industry partners and community leaders on key insurance matters. To assist tornado survivors with major damage to their homes, on June 12, DCI issued a bulletin to the insurance industry that for properties with 50% or more damage the City of St. Louis had waived its mandatory claim holdback ordinance, which limited the ability to receive payment for insured losses. For insurance help, consumers can call DCI’s Consumer Hotline at 800-726-7390 or visit insurance.mo.gov for more information.

    Missouri Department of Natural Resources (DNR)

    DNR has waived certain requirements related to the disposal of yard waste and appliances, burning of woody vegetation, asbestos abatement and the discharge of wastewater. These actions were taken to expedite cleanup and minimize the risk to human health and the environment. DNR team members are participating at the Disaster Assistance Center events to answer questions related to storm recovery, including debris disposal, drinking water systems, water quality issues, and hazardous materials.

    Missouri Department of Social Services (DSS)

    On May 27,  the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) approved DSS’s request to waive the 10-day reporting requirement for food purchased with Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits that was lost as a result of the May 16 tornado. The waiver applies to specific ZIP Codes in the City of St. Louis City and is in effect through June 16. DSS sent an additional request for FNS to approve a second extension for Missourians in impacted areas. If approved, those in impacted areas would have until July 16 to report their loss to DSS Family Support Division (FSD) for SNAP replacement benefits.

    Missouri Department of Labor and Industrial Relations (DOLIR)

    Once Missouri received a federal Major Disaster Declaration, DOLIR’s updated the state’s unemployment claims application to allow for filing of claims for Disaster Unemployment Assistance (DUA) benefits and claims are already being received. DUA applications will be accepted through August 8. Individuals may file a DUA claim online 24/7 by visiting uinteract.labor.mo.gov/benefits. The department has also been providing claim filing assistance and information to storm survivors at the Disaster Assistance Center. 

    Missouri Department of Transportation (MoDOT)

    On May 16 and 17, the MoDOT deployed emergency response trucks and barricaded impacted ramps and routes to assist with tornado cleanup efforts, as well as staffing the State Emergency Operations Center to assist with transportation and infrastructure needs. In the month since, MoDOT has remained involved in the infrastructure recovery efforts, performing damage assessments, and providing detailed inspection reports.

    Missouri Department of Higher Education and Workforce Development (DHEWD)

    On May 29, DHEWD dedicated $750,000 in federal workforce funds to provide temporary wages to eligible individuals interested in helping with storm cleanup in St. Louis and southeast Missouri. The department is partnering with Local Workforce Development Boards, including the St. Louis Agency on Training and Employment (SLATE), local elected officials, and community organizations, such as the Urban League, to find eligible participants and provide an hourly wage for time spent assisting with removing debris and repairing infrastructure. DHEWD has also hosted jobs fairs to assist unemployed St. Louisans.

    The federal Major Disaster Declaration means DHEWD will be able to apply for a $5 million National Dislocated Worker Grant through the U.S. Department of Labor within the next few weeks. If approved, this grant will provide supplemental funding to support the community as it continues to recover.

    Missouri Department of Revenue (DOR)

    Since June 9, the DOR Mobile License Office has operated at the entrance of Chaifetz Arena to assist tornado survivors who lost licenses or other DOR documents, with the normal $6 transaction fee being waived. Through June 12, 97 individuals have been served. The mobile office is equipped to handle all license office functions, including ID card processing or replacement. The unit will continue to be available Monday, June 16, through Tuesday, June 17, from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., and Wednesday, June 18, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. DOR has also extended certain deadlines for those in the federal disaster declaration area until November 3, 2025, to align with the U.S. Internal Revenue Service.

    Missouri Department of Mental Health (DMH)

    The DMH Office of Disaster Services and DMH’s Behavioral Health Strike Team (BHST) were deployed to St. Louis to help deliver crisis counseling to those impacted by the May 16 tornado. They will be deployed through June to help provide crisis counseling at the Disaster Assistance Center, shelters, and in the community. They will also provide crisis counseling once FEMA Disaster Recovery Centers open. DMH is also applying for the FEMA crisis counseling program to provide continued mental health support to the community for an extended period of time.

    Photos of the State of Missouri response in St. Louis can be found at this link. 

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI: Reeflex Solutions Inc. Announces Credit Facility With the Royal Bank of Canada

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    NOT FOR DISTRIBUTION TO U.S. NEWSWIRE SERVICES OR FOR DISSEMINATION IN THE UNITED STATES

    CALGARY, Alberta, June 16, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Reeflex Solutions Inc. (TSXV: RFX) (“Reeflex” or the “Company”) is pleased to announce that it has entered into a credit agreement with the Royal Bank of Canada (“RBC”) for credit facilities (the “Credit Facilities”) that will support the Company’s continued growth and operational flexibility, including working capital requirements and potential expansion opportunities.

    The Credit Facilities consist of: (i) a revolving demand facility in the amount of $1 million bearing interest at the Royal Bank Prime Rate + 1.25%; and (ii) a revolving term facility in the amount of $500,000 available by way of a series of variable rate term loans and fixed rate term loans with terms up to 72 months. The specific repayment terms of a drawdown under the revolving term facility will be agreed to between the Company and RBC at the time of drawdown.

    “We are very pleased to have secured this credit facility with RBC,” said John Babic, President & CEO of Reeflex. “This financing represents a vote of confidence in our business model, management team, and long-term strategic vision. It also enhances our ability to execute on our growth plans.”

    The Credit Facilities are secured by a General Security Agreement constituting a first ranking security interest in all of the property of Reeflex and a personal guarantee by an officer and director of the Company.

    The credit agreement includes standard financial reporting obligations and customary fees, including an annual renewal fee, arrangement fee, and monthly management fee.  

    About Reeflex

    Reeflex is a public company delivering advanced engineering and manufacturing solutions across various industry sectors. Through our wholly-owned subsidiary, Coil Solutions Inc., we provide coil tubing injectors and downhole tools for the oil & gas sector. Our manufacturing division, Ranglar Manufacturing, specializes in custom-designed mobile equipment for a wide range of industrial applications. See www.coilsolutions.com and www.ranglar.com.

    Reeflex Contact

    For further information, please contact:

    John Babic
    President, Chief Executive Officer and Director
    Email: john.babic@reeflex.ca
    Telephone: 780-909-4220

    Cautionary Note Regarding Forward–Looking Information

    This press release contains “forward-looking information” or “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of Canadian securities legislation. All statements included herein, other than statements of historical fact, including statements included in the “About Reeflex” section of this press release, are forward-looking. Generally, the forward-looking information and forward-looking statements can be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as “anticipate”, “believes”, “estimates”, “expects”, “intends”, “may”, “should”, “will” or variations of such words or similar expressions. More particularly, and without limitation, this press release contains forward-looking information or forward-looking statements concerning the resumption of trading of the Reeflex Shares on the TSXV and Reeflex capitalizing on opportunities for growth in its industry. Reeflex cautions that all forward-looking information and forward-looking statements are inherently uncertain, and that actual performance may be affected by a number of material factors, assumptions and expectations, many of which are beyond the control of Reeflex, including expectations and assumptions concerning Reeflex, as well as other risks and uncertainties, including those described in Reeflex’s filings available on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca. The reader is cautioned that assumptions used in the preparation of any forward-looking information or forward-looking statements may prove to be incorrect. Events or circumstances may cause actual results to differ materially from those predicted as a result of numerous known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors, many of which are beyond the control of Reeflex. The reader is cautioned not to place undue reliance on any forward-looking information or forward-looking statements. Such information, although considered reasonable by management at the time of preparation, may prove to be incorrect and actual results may differ materially from those anticipated. Forward-looking information and forward-looking statements contained in this press release are expressly qualified by this cautionary statement.

    The forward-looking information and forward-looking statements contained in this press release are made as of the date of this press release, and Reeflex does not undertake any obligation to update publicly or to revise any of the included forward-looking information or forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as expressly required by law.

    Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

    The securities have not been and will not be registered under the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and may not be offered or sold in the United States absent registration or an applicable exemption from the registration requirement. This press release shall not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy nor shall there be any sale of the securities in any jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful.

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Saskatchewan Housing Starts See Remarkable 108.6 Per Cent Growth

    Source: Government of Canada regional news

    Released on June 16, 2025

    Figures Show Strong Gains, Ranking Province First in the Nation 

    Today, Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation released new data showing urban housing starts in Saskatchewan increased by 108.6 per cent in the first five months of 2025 compared to the same period in 2024. This places the province 1st in the nation for growth in this area.

    “Saskatchewan’s economy continues to show positive momentum and investor confidence,” Trade and Export Development Minister Warren Kaeding said. “More homes are being built, and more people are living and working across the province than ever before.”

    In May 2025, urban housing starts across the province increased by 205.9 per cent over May 2024, placing Saskatchewan 2nd among the provinces for year-over-year growth.

    Within that total, housing starts on single family homes were up 63.7 per cent, while multi-unit residential construction increased by 617.9 per cent compared to May 2024.

    Housing starts refers to the number of housing projects that started that month.

    The provincial economy continues to see substantial growth. Statistics Canada’s latest GDP numbers indicate that Saskatchewan’s 2024 real GDP reached an all-time high of $80.5 billion, increasing by $2.6 billion, or 3.4 per cent. This ranks Saskatchewan second in the nation for real GDP growth, and above the national average of 1.6 per cent.

    Private capital investment in Saskatchewan increased last year by 17.3 per cent to $14.7 billion, ranking first among provinces. Private capital investment is projected to reach $16.2 billion in 2025, an increase of 10.1 per cent over 2024. This is the second highest anticipated percentage increase among the provinces.

    Last year, the Government of Saskatchewan unveiled its new Securing the Next Decade of Growth – Saskatchewan’s Investment Attraction Strategy. This strategy, combined with Saskatchewan’s trade and investment website, InvestSK.ca, contains helpful information for potential markets and solidifies the province as the best place to do business in Canada.

    For more information, visit: InvestSK.ca.

    -30-

    For more information, contact:

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI: BNP Paribas share buyback programme – Declaration of transactions in own shares from June 9, 2025 to June 13, 2025

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

           

    BNP Paribas share buyback programme

    Declaration of transactions in own shares
    from June 9, 2025 to June 13, 2025

    PRESS RELEASE

    Paris, 16 June 2025

    In accordance with Article 5 of Regulation (EU) No 596/2014 on Market Abuse and Article 3 (3) of Delegated Regulation (EU) 2016/1052 supplementing Regulation (EU) No 596/2014 through regulatory technical standards concerning the conditions applicable to buyback programs and stabilization measures, BNP Paribas informs the market of the following transactions in own shares:

    Name of issuer Identification code of issuer (Legal Entity Identifier) Day of transaction Identification code of financial instrument Aggregated daily volume (in number of shares) Daily weighted average price of the purchased shares * Market (MIC Code)
    BNP PARIBAS R0MUWSFPU8MPRO8K5P83 09/06/2025 FR0000131104 24 078 78,2285 AQEU
    BNP PARIBAS R0MUWSFPU8MPRO8K5P83 09/06/2025 FR0000131104 136 184 78,2271 CEUX
    BNP PARIBAS R0MUWSFPU8MPRO8K5P83 09/06/2025 FR0000131104 17 561 78,2271 TQEX
    BNP PARIBAS R0MUWSFPU8MPRO8K5P83 09/06/2025 FR0000131104 375 091 78,2390 XPAR
    * Four-digit rounding after the decimal TOTAL 552 914 78,2352  

    The share buyback programme announced on 19 May 2025 was completed on 9 June 2025. 14,025,914 shares were repurchased at an average price of € 77.29 per share, for a total amount of EUR 1.084 billion.

    The shares bought back under this programme will be cancelled.

    The description of the share buyback programme is available on BNP Paribas’s website:

    https://invest.bnpparibas/en/search/reports/documents/regulated-information

    Attachment

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Early Release of 2024 Power Plant Operations Report Data

    Source: US Energy Information Administration

    The survey Form EIA-923 collects detailed electric power data — monthly and annually — on electricity generation, fuel consumption, fossil fuel stocks, and receipts at the power plant and prime mover level. Specific survey information provided:

    • Schedule 2 – fuel receipts and costs
    • Schedules 3A & 5A – generator data including generation, fuel consumption and stocks
    • Schedule 4 – fossil fuel stocks
    • Schedules 6 & 7 – non-utility source and disposition of electricity
    • Schedules 8A-F – environmental data

    Monthly data (M) -approximately 3,034 plants from the monthly survey
    Annual final data – approximately 3,034 monthly plants + 9,528 plants from the annual survey

    The EIA-906, EIA-920, EIA-923 and predecessor forms provide monthly and annual data on generation and fuel consumption at the power plant and prime mover level. A subset of plants, steam-electric plants 10 MW and above, also provides boiler level and generator level data. Data for utility plants are available from 1970, and for nonutility plants from 1999. Beginning with January 2004 data collection, the EIA-920 was used to collect data from the combined heat and power plant (cogeneration) segment of the nonutility sector; also as of 2004, nonutilities filed the annual data for nonutility source and disposition of electricity. Beginning in 2007, environmental data was collected on Schedules 8A – 8F of the Form 923 and includes by-product disposition, financial information, NOX control operations, cooling system operations and FGP and FGD unit operations. Beginning in 2008, the EIA-923 superseded the EIA-906, EIA-920, FERC 423, and the EIA-423. Schedule 2 of the EIA-923 collects the plant level fuel receipts and cost data previously collected on the FERC and EIA Forms 423. Fuel receipts and costs data prior to 2008.

    Power plant data prior to 2001 are separate files for utility and nonutility plants. For 2001 data and subsequent years, the data are Excel spreadsheet files that include data for all plants and make other changes to the presentation of the data.

    The Form EIA 906/920 data for 2004-2006 were updated. A new method of allocating fuel consumption between electric power generation and useful thermal output (UTO) was implemented for 2004-2008. This new methodology proportionally distributes a combined heat and power (CHP) plant’s losses between the two output products (electric power and UTO). In the historical data, UTO was consistently assumed to be 80 percent efficient and all other losses at the plant were allocated to electric power. This change results in the fuel for electric power to be lower, while the fuel for UTO is higher than the prior set of data as both are given the same efficiency. This results in the appearance of an increase in efficiency of production of electric power between 2003 and 2004. The same methodology is applied to final 2007 and preliminary 2008 data. More information about the methodology can be found in the Appendix C, Technical Notes, to the Electric Power Monthly

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: SBA Relief Still Available to Alaska Small Businesses and Private Nonprofits Affected by Flooding

    Source: United States Small Business Administration

    SACRAMENTO, Calif. – The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) is reminding small businesses and private nonprofit (PNP) organizations in Alaska of the July 16, 2025 deadline to apply for low interest federal disaster loans to offset economic losses caused by flooding occurring Aug. 5-6, 2024.

    The disaster declaration covers the Chatham Regional Educational Attendance Area (REAA), Haines Borough, City and Borough of Juneau and Petersburg Borough.

    Under this declaration, SBA’s Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) program is available to small businesses, small agricultural cooperatives, nurseries, and PNPs with financial losses directly related to the disaster. The SBA is unable to provide disaster loans to agricultural producers, farmers, or ranchers, except for small aquaculture enterprises.

    EIDLs are available for working capital needs caused by the disaster and are available even if the business or PNP did not suffer any physical damage. The loans may be used to pay fixed debts, payroll, accounts payable, and other bills not paid due to the disaster.

    “SBA loans help eligible small businesses and private nonprofits cover operating expenses after a disaster, which is crucial for their recovery,” said Chris Stallings, associate administrator of the Office of Disaster Recovery and Resilience at the SBA. “These loans not only help business owners get back on their feet but also play a key role in sustaining local economies in the aftermath of a disaster.”

    The loan amount can be up to $2 million with interest rates as low as 4% for small businesses and 3.25% for PNPs with terms up to 30 years. Interest does not accrue, and payments are not due until 12 months from the date of the first loan disbursement. The SBA sets loan amounts and terms based on each applicant’s financial condition.

    To apply online, visit sba.gov/disaster. Applicants may also call SBA’s Customer Service Center at (800) 659-2955 or email disastercustomerservice@sba.gov for more information on SBA disaster assistance. For people who are deaf, hard of hearing, or have a speech disability, please dial 7-1-1 to access telecommunications relay services.

    Submit completed loan applications to the SBA no later than July 16.

    ###

    About the U.S. Small Business Administration

    The U.S. Small Business Administration helps power the American dream of business ownership. As the only go-to resource and voice for small businesses backed by the strength of the federal government, the SBA empowers entrepreneurs and small business owners with the resources and support they need to start, grow, expand their businesses, or recover from a declared disaster. It delivers services through an extensive network of SBA field offices and partnerships with public and private organizations. To learn more, visit www.sba.gov.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI: 1 Hour Payday Loans with No Credit Check Announced as Key Feature in Viva Payday Loans Platform Expansion

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    HOUSTON, June 16, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) —  Viva Payday Loans has introduced a fast, stress free way for U.S. consumers to access 1 hour payday loans no credit check guaranteed approval even if they’ve been turned away by traditional banks before. With more Americans relying on emergency loans for day-to-day needs, Viva Payday Loans offers a free, secure, and 100% online alternative that requires no credit check or paperwork.

    Powered by a network of top-rated direct lenders and an intelligent matching platform, Viva helps users find 1 hour payday loans online no credit check guaranteed approval, often delivering funds in less than 60 minutes after approval. Whether you’re dealing with an urgent car repair, rent payment, or medical expense, It connects you to same day payday loans online that prioritize speed, convenience, and accessibility.

    Why Choose 1 Hour Payday Loans from Viva Payday Loans?

    When you’re facing an urgent financial emergency, Viva Payday Loans stands out as one of the fastest and most trusted options for getting 1 hour payday loans no credit check guaranteed approval. Whether you’re a gig worker, freelancer, unemployed, or simply struggling with bad credit, Viva Payday Loans ensures quick access to cash, without the delays of traditional banks.

    With a focus on convenience, privacy, and instant decisions, Viva Payday Loans connects you directly with licensed lenders who specialize in payday loans online, even for those who’ve been denied elsewhere. 1 Hour Payday Loans No Credit Check is perfect for those needing quick funds with poor or no credit history. These loans skip the FICO check and focus on your monthly income instead—making approval faster and more accessible.

    The updated Viva Payday Loans platform enables users to submit a secure online request form, which is then shared with a network of third-party lenders. This digital process is designed to help individuals explore options such as 1 hour payday loans, without requiring a traditional credit check. By focusing on income and state eligibility criteria, the platform aims to provide broader access to short-term financial solutions.

    Available across multiple U.S. states, the platform operates entirely online and is accessible 24/7. Users can request same-day payday loans or 1 hour payday loans depending on lender availability and qualifying factors. The process eliminates paperwork and allows borrowers to receive quick responses, especially during financial emergencies where timing is critical.

    All loan terms and decisions are determined independently by licensed lenders. Viva Payday Loans does not issue loans or influence approval outcomes. Applicants are free to accept or decline any offer received. The service emphasizes transparency, optionality, and adherence to federal and state lending regulations while supporting access to emergency loans online with no credit check.

    Contact:
    Mukesh Bhardwaj
    Email: mukesh@paydayventures.com

    Disclaimer: Loan approval depends on lender criteria and income verification. Viva Payday Loans is not a direct lender. All services are free to use and open to U.S. residents only.

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Rep. Kamlager-Dove, Mayor Bass, and Congressional, State Legislators Unite In Call To End Raids Ahead of Trump’s Military March on Saturday

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Sydney Kamlager California (37th District)

    LOS ANGELES – Congresswoman Sydney Kamlager-Dove (CA-37) and Mayor Bass were joined today by nearly 30 Congressional and state legislators to call for an end to immigration raids ahead of the President’s military march this weekend. Watch the press conference here. 

    Congresswoman Sydney Kamlager-Dove

    “Trump is manufacturing chaos in Los Angeles, using our city as his movie set to justify his authoritarian crackdowns and cruel ICE raids. This is all a distraction. To distract from the fact that Trump isn’t going after ‘criminals,’ but citizens, legal immigrants, and immigrants seeking legal status the right way. To distract from his effort to cut $880 billion from Medicaid. To distract from his destruction of our economy through his Temper Tariffs. These are the real issues that the American people care about—and we will not be distracted.”

    Mayor Karen Bass

    “We are here today because the White House ordered raids of home depots, they took over our state’s national guard, and they activated the U.S. Marines. Let me be clear – Los Angeles is not a war zone. What you’re seeing and hearing out of this Administration is not representative of our city, of our state, of our country. The Trump Administration has caused unnecessary chaos and fear in our city and across the country. It’s not keeping anyone safe. We’ve come together today to demonstrate the American values of tolerance, freedom, and a respect for our Constitution and to show the world what L.A. is really about.”

    Senate President Pro Tem Mike McGuire

    “Our rights, our freedoms, and our Constitution are under attack. America’s armed forces have been illegally deployed in our communities, our representatives have been threatened and detained, and a sitting U.S. Senator has been handcuffed and muzzled. Today, it’s Los Angeles County in the crosshairs, but make no mistake, tomorrow it could be your community, your neighborhood, or your family. These are the actions of an authoritarian not the leader of the free world. This cannot continue. We’re grateful to Mayor Bass for standing up for all Angelenos and demanding action and accountability from the Trump Administration.”

    Assembly Speaker Robert Rivas

    “Here in California, we are not going to be intimidated. I stand as the first Speaker of the California State Assembly born to immigrant farmworkers. This is personal. My family came from Mexico seeking opportunity, and they found it — in the fields, in the classroom and in the promise of this state. That promise still belongs to every Californian, no matter where they were born or how long they’ve been here.”

    Congresswoman Judy Chu

    “Tonight, I am honored to stand alongside local and federal leaders in Los Angeles to demand an end to the ICE raids and to speak out against Trump’s dangerous militarization of our communities. This is not what public safety looks like, this is fear, intimidation, and overreach. Enough is enough, Los Angeles deserves peace, dignity, and compassion, not armored vehicles and mass arrests.”

    Congressman Mark Takano

    “I am proud of this state, I am proud of the community which I represent, and I am proud of the leadership of this state who are showing the world that we will not be ruled by a king. We will continue to use our voice to object to ICE’s inflammatory tactics to meet arbitrary deportation quotas. My community and constituents deserve more out of a President and our Country.”

    Congresswoman Norma Torres

    “We will not stand by as we see the Trump Administration break the law and harm our state. They are continuing to deploy ICE, the National Guard and the Marines into our city streets without legal authority or coordination with local officials. That’s not just dangerous—it’s unlawful and unnecessary. This kind of unilateral action wastes taxpayer dollars and directly undermines the stability of California—the world’s fourth-largest economy and the backbone of the United States. I am proud to see California’s Congressional Delegation and Mayor Bass standing united to protect our communities, uphold the rule of law, and support the people of Los Angeles.”

    Assemblymember Tina McKinnor

    “This President and his Administration? They not like us. On behalf of the 10 million people that call LA County home, we have a simple message for the current President of the United States. STOP. Mr. President, stop violating the constitutional rights of the people of LA County. Mr. President, stop violating the due process rights of the people of LA County. Mr. President, stop provoking fear and violence in LA County. LA is strong, diverse and resilient. Our resilience is our strength and we will not be intimidated by anyone threatening our peace. Including threats by this President.” 

    Senator María Elena Durazo
    “The Trump Administration is detaining everyday workers, denying them due process, and summarily deporting them. It’s deploying military forces against our own peaceful citizens. Make no mistake, this is an unprecedented assault on our democracy. We all must organize peacefully, defend our communities from this authoritarian overreach, and stand united in our defense to protect everyone’s constitutional rights.”

    Assemblymember Mark González
    “I’m not just speaking today as an Assemblymember — I’m speaking as a son of Los Angeles. I grew up in these neighborhoods. I’ve seen the fear ICE has brought into our homes — parents hiding, children walking alone, families torn apart. This is not justice. This is trauma. But Los Angeles does not live in fear — we rise in love, in courage, and in community. I want to thank Mayor Karen Bass for her steady, principled leadership in this moment. She’s shown what it means to lead with both strength and compassion. So I’m calling on our people: check on your neighbors. Show up for one another. Speak out, organize, and lead with the values that built this city. Because when we stand together, no raid, no troop, no fear can divide us. This is Los Angeles. And we take care of our own.”

    Assemblymember José Luis Solache

    “The families I represent are hardworking people who came here to chase their dreams, not to be treated like criminals. They contribute to our economy, they strengthen our communities, and they deserve dignity. I urge the President to stop these raids, return federal resources to where they belong, and respect the humanity of our people. We stand with peaceful demonstrations, and we will continue to lift our voices with unity and heart.”

    Attendees: 

    • Rep. Sydney Kamlager Dove, California’s 37th Congressional District

    • Sen. Mike McGuire, California State Senate Pro Tempore

    • Asm. Robert Rivas, California State Assembly Speaker

    • Rep. Judy Chu, California’s 28th Congressional District

    • Rep. Mark Takano, California’s 39th Congressional District

    • Rep. Norma Torres, California’s 35th Congressional District

    • Asm. Tina McKinnor, State Assembly District 61

    • Sen. María Elena Durazo, State Senate District 26

    • Asm. Mark Gonzalez, State Assembly District 54

    • Asm. José Solache, State Assembly District 62

    • Sen. Laura Richardson, State Senate District 35

    • Sen. Caroline Menjivar, State Senate District 20

    • Sen. Lola Smallwood-Cuevas, State Senate District 28

    • Sen. Sasha Renée Pérez, State Senate District 25

    • Asm. Rick Chavez Zbur, State Assembly District 51

    • Asm. Mike Gipson, State Assembly District 65

    • Asm. Al Muratsuchi, State Assembly District 66

    • Asm. Issac Bryan, State Assembly District 55

    • Asm. Mike Fong, State Assembly District 49

    • Asm. Jacqui Irwin, State Assembly District 42

    • Asm. Juan Carrillo, State Assembly District 39

    • Asm. Lisa Calderon, State Assembly District 56

    • Asm. Sade Elhawary, State Assembly District 57

    • Asm. Celeste Rodriguez, State Assembly District 43

    • Asm. Jessica Caloza, State Assembly District 52

    • Asm. Nick Schultz, State Assembly District 44

    • Asm. John Harabedian, State Assembly District 41

    • Asm. Blanca Pacheco, State Assembly District 64

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Rep. Kamlager-Dove, Mayor Bass, and Congressional, State Legislators Unite In Call To End Raids Ahead of Trump’s Military March on Saturday

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Sydney Kamlager California (37th District)

    LOS ANGELES – Congresswoman Sydney Kamlager-Dove (CA-37) and Mayor Bass were joined today by nearly 30 Congressional and state legislators to call for an end to immigration raids ahead of the President’s military march this weekend. Watch the press conference here. 

    Congresswoman Sydney Kamlager-Dove

    “Trump is manufacturing chaos in Los Angeles, using our city as his movie set to justify his authoritarian crackdowns and cruel ICE raids. This is all a distraction. To distract from the fact that Trump isn’t going after ‘criminals,’ but citizens, legal immigrants, and immigrants seeking legal status the right way. To distract from his effort to cut $880 billion from Medicaid. To distract from his destruction of our economy through his Temper Tariffs. These are the real issues that the American people care about—and we will not be distracted.”

    Mayor Karen Bass

    “We are here today because the White House ordered raids of home depots, they took over our state’s national guard, and they activated the U.S. Marines. Let me be clear – Los Angeles is not a war zone. What you’re seeing and hearing out of this Administration is not representative of our city, of our state, of our country. The Trump Administration has caused unnecessary chaos and fear in our city and across the country. It’s not keeping anyone safe. We’ve come together today to demonstrate the American values of tolerance, freedom, and a respect for our Constitution and to show the world what L.A. is really about.”

    Senate President Pro Tem Mike McGuire

    “Our rights, our freedoms, and our Constitution are under attack. America’s armed forces have been illegally deployed in our communities, our representatives have been threatened and detained, and a sitting U.S. Senator has been handcuffed and muzzled. Today, it’s Los Angeles County in the crosshairs, but make no mistake, tomorrow it could be your community, your neighborhood, or your family. These are the actions of an authoritarian not the leader of the free world. This cannot continue. We’re grateful to Mayor Bass for standing up for all Angelenos and demanding action and accountability from the Trump Administration.”

    Assembly Speaker Robert Rivas

    “Here in California, we are not going to be intimidated. I stand as the first Speaker of the California State Assembly born to immigrant farmworkers. This is personal. My family came from Mexico seeking opportunity, and they found it — in the fields, in the classroom and in the promise of this state. That promise still belongs to every Californian, no matter where they were born or how long they’ve been here.”

    Congresswoman Judy Chu

    “Tonight, I am honored to stand alongside local and federal leaders in Los Angeles to demand an end to the ICE raids and to speak out against Trump’s dangerous militarization of our communities. This is not what public safety looks like, this is fear, intimidation, and overreach. Enough is enough, Los Angeles deserves peace, dignity, and compassion, not armored vehicles and mass arrests.”

    Congressman Mark Takano

    “I am proud of this state, I am proud of the community which I represent, and I am proud of the leadership of this state who are showing the world that we will not be ruled by a king. We will continue to use our voice to object to ICE’s inflammatory tactics to meet arbitrary deportation quotas. My community and constituents deserve more out of a President and our Country.”

    Congresswoman Norma Torres

    “We will not stand by as we see the Trump Administration break the law and harm our state. They are continuing to deploy ICE, the National Guard and the Marines into our city streets without legal authority or coordination with local officials. That’s not just dangerous—it’s unlawful and unnecessary. This kind of unilateral action wastes taxpayer dollars and directly undermines the stability of California—the world’s fourth-largest economy and the backbone of the United States. I am proud to see California’s Congressional Delegation and Mayor Bass standing united to protect our communities, uphold the rule of law, and support the people of Los Angeles.”

    Assemblymember Tina McKinnor

    “This President and his Administration? They not like us. On behalf of the 10 million people that call LA County home, we have a simple message for the current President of the United States. STOP. Mr. President, stop violating the constitutional rights of the people of LA County. Mr. President, stop violating the due process rights of the people of LA County. Mr. President, stop provoking fear and violence in LA County. LA is strong, diverse and resilient. Our resilience is our strength and we will not be intimidated by anyone threatening our peace. Including threats by this President.” 

    Senator María Elena Durazo
    “The Trump Administration is detaining everyday workers, denying them due process, and summarily deporting them. It’s deploying military forces against our own peaceful citizens. Make no mistake, this is an unprecedented assault on our democracy. We all must organize peacefully, defend our communities from this authoritarian overreach, and stand united in our defense to protect everyone’s constitutional rights.”

    Assemblymember Mark González
    “I’m not just speaking today as an Assemblymember — I’m speaking as a son of Los Angeles. I grew up in these neighborhoods. I’ve seen the fear ICE has brought into our homes — parents hiding, children walking alone, families torn apart. This is not justice. This is trauma. But Los Angeles does not live in fear — we rise in love, in courage, and in community. I want to thank Mayor Karen Bass for her steady, principled leadership in this moment. She’s shown what it means to lead with both strength and compassion. So I’m calling on our people: check on your neighbors. Show up for one another. Speak out, organize, and lead with the values that built this city. Because when we stand together, no raid, no troop, no fear can divide us. This is Los Angeles. And we take care of our own.”

    Assemblymember José Luis Solache

    “The families I represent are hardworking people who came here to chase their dreams, not to be treated like criminals. They contribute to our economy, they strengthen our communities, and they deserve dignity. I urge the President to stop these raids, return federal resources to where they belong, and respect the humanity of our people. We stand with peaceful demonstrations, and we will continue to lift our voices with unity and heart.”

    Attendees: 

    • Rep. Sydney Kamlager Dove, California’s 37th Congressional District

    • Sen. Mike McGuire, California State Senate Pro Tempore

    • Asm. Robert Rivas, California State Assembly Speaker

    • Rep. Judy Chu, California’s 28th Congressional District

    • Rep. Mark Takano, California’s 39th Congressional District

    • Rep. Norma Torres, California’s 35th Congressional District

    • Asm. Tina McKinnor, State Assembly District 61

    • Sen. María Elena Durazo, State Senate District 26

    • Asm. Mark Gonzalez, State Assembly District 54

    • Asm. José Solache, State Assembly District 62

    • Sen. Laura Richardson, State Senate District 35

    • Sen. Caroline Menjivar, State Senate District 20

    • Sen. Lola Smallwood-Cuevas, State Senate District 28

    • Sen. Sasha Renée Pérez, State Senate District 25

    • Asm. Rick Chavez Zbur, State Assembly District 51

    • Asm. Mike Gipson, State Assembly District 65

    • Asm. Al Muratsuchi, State Assembly District 66

    • Asm. Issac Bryan, State Assembly District 55

    • Asm. Mike Fong, State Assembly District 49

    • Asm. Jacqui Irwin, State Assembly District 42

    • Asm. Juan Carrillo, State Assembly District 39

    • Asm. Lisa Calderon, State Assembly District 56

    • Asm. Sade Elhawary, State Assembly District 57

    • Asm. Celeste Rodriguez, State Assembly District 43

    • Asm. Jessica Caloza, State Assembly District 52

    • Asm. Nick Schultz, State Assembly District 44

    • Asm. John Harabedian, State Assembly District 41

    • Asm. Blanca Pacheco, State Assembly District 64

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Exclusive: Green economic development is one of the main areas of cooperation between China and Central Asia – Kyrgyz expert

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: People’s Republic of China in Russian – People’s Republic of China in Russian –

    Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News

    Bishkek, June 16 /Xinhua/ — Green economic development is one of the main areas of cooperation between China and Central Asian countries, said Baktybek Saipbaev, a candidate of medical sciences and systems analyst from Kyrgyzstan, in an interview with Xinhua.

    According to him, the concepts of China and Central Asian countries in the field of green development coincide, implying, among other things, the transition to an energy-saving model of energy, to renewable energy resources and to energy that causes minimal damage to the environment.

    “Close cooperation between China and Central Asian countries in the field of green energy will contribute to strengthening bilateral relations and will also help Central Asian countries in sustainable development,” the expert noted.

    As B. Saipbaev emphasized, all these concepts are also common to China and Kyrgyzstan. The analyst stated that Chinese technologies of water conservation, economical irrigation of agricultural lands, in particular drip irrigation, and combating deforestation and desertification will greatly help Kyrgyzstan if China joins these issues and will develop cooperation in this area in every possible way.

    “If all these joint projects are successfully implemented, then Kyrgyzstan will be able to switch to low-carbon energy and economy. That is, such forms of cooperation will stimulate the low-carbon transformation of the economy of Kyrgyzstan,” the expert said.

    B. Saipbaev also noted that it would be a great help to the countries of Central Asia if China provided assistance in such an important issue as the creation of modern irrigation networks, namely in the construction of watertight canals, aqueducts and pipelines so that water reaches the fields with minimal losses.

    “From the point of view of sustainable development of Central Asian countries, China’s assistance in these areas is difficult to overestimate. China already plays a huge role in this, and it is getting stronger every year. In turn, thanks to this, Central Asian countries can implement large projects for electricity generation, carry out rational water use, and preserve nature,” the expert added. –0–

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Doggett, Ways and Means Democrats Demand Answers on the Trump Administration’s Palantir Surveillance Database

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Lloyd Doggett (D-TX)

    This formal inquiry follows Rep. Doggett’s questioning of Secretary Bessent on allegations of the IRS releasing Americans’ private information to DOGE.

    Contact: Alexis.Torres@mail.house.gov

    WASHINGTON, DC—Democratic Members of the Ways and Means Committee, led by Health Subcommittee Ranking Member Lloyd Doggett (D-TX), are demanding information on the Trump Administration’s secretive partnership with Palantir to build a vast, centralized database that will compile deeply personal information on the American people. This database is reportedly set to include confidential taxpayer, identity, wage, child support, bank account, student loan, health and medical, and financial data gathered from the Social Security Administration and the Departments of Labor, Health and Human Services, and Treasury, as well as records seized by the ‘Department of Government Efficiency.’ 

    “Once again, this Administration is putting power and control above people’s rights,” said Ranking Member Richard E. Neal. “With privacy next to liberty in our Democratic system, a surveillance state is anti-American. The people entrust the government to safeguard their most private data, not weaponize it against them. While House Republicans fail to even lift a finger in protecting the people’s rights, Ways and Means Democrats are demanding answers, and I commend Ranking Member Doggett for his relentless oversight work.”

    “DOGE is seeking unprecedented access, not authorized by federal law, to highly sensitive taxpayer data information. It seeks to merge that data into an omnibus information sharing agreement across multiple federal agencies that will create a federal master file on every American,” said Rep. Doggett. “Placing confidential information on earnings, bank accounts, health care into a single universally accessible format makes it much more exposed to unauthorized individuals. It would be a gross violation of our basic privacy rights. Treasury Secretary Bessent’s evasive answers to inquiries about this scheme make our need to act all the more urgent. This Resolution of Inquiry aims to expose the damage done in order to protect against this dangerous overreach.”

    This mass aggregation of private information—without transparency, guardrails, or consent—is a grave assault on Americans’ liberty and privacy. Privacy advocates, including Republican Members of Congress, have warned of the danger of such a massive pool of government data being handed over to a corporation for undisclosed current or future use without the people’s knowledge.

    Ways and Means Democrats are demanding answers and accountability by giving the President 14 days to provide all documents and copies, records, audio recordings, memorandum, and more, to the House of Representatives relating to the (1) development of a centralized database by the Federal government and Palantir; (2) the purpose and potential uses of a centralized database; and (3) services provided by Palantir to the Social Security Administration, the Internal Revenue Service, the Department of Labor, the Department of the Treasury, or the Department of Health and Human Services.

    Read the full Resolution of Inquiry HERE.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: King, Colleagues Press White House to Resume Processing DACA Applications

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Maine Angus King

    WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Angus King (I-ME) and his colleagues are urging the White House to abide by a court ruling and resume processing applications for the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program. In a letter to Acting Director of U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) Angelica Alfonso-Royals, the Senators highlight the popular support for providing Dreamers a pathway to citizenship and request that the administration comply with the recent Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals ruling to resume processing applications for DACA.

    Sunday, June 15th marks the thirteenth anniversary of President Obama establishing the DACA program via policy memorandum in 2012. Since then, more than 825,000 people have received deferred action pursuant to DACA, empowering recipients to bolster their careers and contribute an estimated $140 billion to the U.S. economy in spending power and $40 billion in combined federal, payroll, state, and local taxes. 

    The Senators wrote, “Noncitizens brought to the United States as children, often known as Dreamers, are American in every way but their immigration status. Many only know this country as their home, and they contribute every day to this great nation by paying taxes and serving in critical roles, such as police officers, teachers, and nurses. Americans overwhelmingly support providing Dreamers a path to citizenship, and in December 2024, President Trump stated that he supported protections for Dreamers to remain in the United States.”

    “Consistent with this statement, we implore you to use your authority at United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) to resume processing initial applications for Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) and provide such protections for Dreamers immediately,” the Senators continued.

    The Senators concluded by reiterating their request, “We urge you to begin processing these DACA applications immediately, consistent with the Fifth Circuit decision and existing regulations, and to ensure Dreamers eligible to file initial DACA applications can do so as soon as possible.”

    In 2021, U.S. District Court Judge Andrew Hanen halted the DACA program and enjoined USCIS from approving any new DACA applications nationwide. While the program was enjoined, USCIS has continued to accept and hold initial applications, and in 2022, the Department of Homeland Security published the DACA Final Rule, codifying the 2012 memorandum establishing DACA into regulation. More than 100,000 initial DACA applications are pending with USCIS.

    On January 17, 2025, the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals issued a decision limiting Judge Hanen’s injunction to Texas.

    In addition to King, the letter is signed by Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL) and U.S. Senators Tammy Baldwin (D-WI), Michael Bennet (D-CO), Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Cory Booker (D-NJ), Chris Coons (D-DE), Catherine Cortez Masto (D-NV), Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), John Fetterman (D-PA), Ruben Gallego (D-AZ), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY), Maggie Hassan (D-NH), Martin Heinrich (D-NM), John Hickenlooper (D-CO), Mazie Hirono (D-HI), Tim Kaine (D-VA), Mark Kelly (D-AZ), Andy Kim (D-NJ), Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), Ben Ray Luján (D-NM), Edward Markey (D-MA), Jeff Merkley (D-OR), Patty Murray (D-WA), Alex Padilla (D-CA), Gary Peters (D-MI), Jack Reed (D-RI), Jacky Rosen (D-NV), Bernie Sanders (I-VT), Brian Schatz (D-HI), Adam Schiff (D-CA), Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), Elissa Slotkin (D-MI), Tina Smith (D-MN), Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), Mark Warner (D-VA), Raphael Warnock (D-GA), Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), Peter Welch (D-VT), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI), and Ron Wyden (D-OR).

    Senator King is a strong opponent of the Trump Administration’s continued efforts to repeal protections for DACA recipients. He has repeatedly sought a legislative solution to provide stability for DACA recipients. He previously joined a group of his Senate colleagues in a letter urging former Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) to immediately take up the bipartisan House-passed American Dream and Promise Act, which would establish a path to citizenship for Dreamers and immigrants with Temporary Protected Status (TPS) or Deferred Enforced Departure (DED). In addition, King led a bipartisan proposal with Senator Mike Rounds (R-SD) that would have provided legislative protections for Dreamers.

    The full text of the letter can be found here and below.

    +++

    Dear Acting Director Alfonso-Royals:

    Noncitizens brought to the United States as children, often known as Dreamers, are American in every way but their immigration status. Many only know this country as their home, and they contribute every day to this great nation by paying taxes and serving in critical roles, such as police officers, teachers, and nurses. Americans overwhelmingly support providing Dreamers a path to citizenship,1 and in December 2024, President Trump stated that he supported protections for Dreamers to remain in the United States.2 Consistent with this statement, we implore you to use your authority at United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) to resume processing initial applications for Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) and provide such protections for Dreamers immediately.

    In 2001, the Dream Act was introduced on a bipartisan basis to provide a path to citizenship to undocumented immigrants who came to the United States as children but remained vulnerable to deportation. Since that time, the Dream Act has been introduced in every Congress. It has passed both the House of Representatives and the Senate with bipartisan majority votes, but no version has yet to be signed into law.3 In response to bipartisan pressure to protect Dreamers until Congress acted, 4 the Obama Administration implemented DACA through a policy memorandum in 2012.

    Since 2012, more than 825,000 people have received deferred action pursuant to DACA. Many DACA recipients report that deferred action—and the accompanying employment authorization —allowed them to apply for their first job or move to a higher-paying position more commensurate with their skills.7 Since its establishment, DACA recipients have contributed an estimated $140 billion to the U.S. economy in spending power, and $40 billion dollars in combined federal, payroll, state, and local taxes.

    In 2021, U.S. District Court Judge Andrew Hanen halted the DACA program and enjoined USCIS from approving any new DACA applications nationwide. While the program was enjoined, USCIS has continued to accept and hold initial applications, and in 2022, the Department of Homeland Security published the DACA Final Rule, codifying the 2012 memorandum establishing DACA into regulation. Over 100,000 initial DACA applications are pending with USCIS.

    On January 17, 2025, the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals issued a decision limiting Judge Hanen’s injunction to Texas. 11 Pursuant to the order, in Texas, DACA must resume as a limited program providing protection from deportation for current DACA recipients, but without access to work authorization or driver’s licenses as part of those renewals. This order went into effect on March 11, giving USCIS the authority to start processing initial DACA applications from states other than Texas. However, three months later, USCIS has not made any public announcement on whether new DACA applications will be processed; nor has the agency begun processing initial applications that have been pending with the agency for years.

    We urge you to begin processing these DACA applications immediately, consistent with the Fifth Circuit decision and existing regulations, and to ensure Dreamers eligible to file initial DACA applications can do so as soon as possible. Thank you for your prompt attention to this urgent matter.

    Sincerely,

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Westminster Council unveils report to tackle skills gap and boost employment | Westminster City Council

    Source: City of Westminster

    Westminster City Council has published a report which will be used to develop a plan to support residents access 48,000 new jobs expected to be created across the city over the next 10 years.

    Home to 54,000 businesses and more than 755,000 workers, Westminster plays a vital role in the UK economy. However, the city faces ongoing challenges including youth unemployment, low apprenticeship uptake, and significant skills mismatches among its 211,000 residents. 

    To address these issues, the council worked in partnership with Westminster Education, Employment and Skills (EES) Board to commission Volterra to carry out research and provide an evidence based report on Westminster’s Skills Base. This report provides a roadmap to ensure local talent is equipped to meet future demand in key growth sectors. 

    Key Findings:  

    • Up to 48,000 new roles expected across the borough by 2035
    • Fastest growing sectors will be in professional services, creative industries, construction, and hospitality
    • Unemployment and low skills are highest in parts of northwest Westminster
    • Many new jobs will require higher-level qualifications (Level 3 or 4), but over 26,000 residents currently have only GCSE-level (Level 2) or lower
    • There’s a lack of apprenticeships, adult skills courses and sector-specific training in some areas of the city 

    Recommendations include:  

    • Support low-skilled and unemployed residents into key sectors
    • Improve training by strengthening links between employers and training providers
    • Expand access to childcare, English language classes, and entry-level apprenticeships
    • Launch local programmes to help carers, young people, and inactive residents find work 

    This report will directly inform Westminster’s full Skills Strategy, to be released later this year, and guide investment in training, employer engagement and inclusive economic development.

    The Skills Strategy will build on existing council-led or commissioned programmes, including the North Paddington Opportunities Project, which supports economically inactive residents, Digital Dash, a tech-focused employability initiative for young people; Full Potential, a trailblazer initiative for care-experienced young people as part of the Get Britain Working agenda; and Connect to Work, which supports residents with health conditions or disabilities.

    Cllr Geoff Barraclough, Westminster City Council Cabinet Member for Planning and Economic Development, said:  
      
     “Whether it’s a young person starting out in their career, a parent returning to work, or someone looking to retrain, we want Westminster to be a place where everyone has the opportunity to thrive and have access to good jobs. This report gives us the insight we need to bring together employers and communities to help residents gain the relevant skills for the jobs of the future. 

    “A huge thank you to everyone involved on the EESB who have contributed to this work and continue to champion skills and opportunities for people across Westminster.”

     
     Jessie Buscombe, Chair of the EESB, said:  

    “As part of the Fairer Economy Plan, Westminster’s Education, Skills and Employment Board is focused on ensuring residents have access to training programmes that support them into meaningful work. 

    “I’m delighted to see the publication of this independent report which illustrates what more we can do to improve the training offer in Westminster, and I look forward to working with the Board and the Council to take forward this agenda.” 

    Oliver Lantham, Vice President of Strategy and Growth at Workforce Skills, said:  
      
     “The Westminster Skills Base report prepared by Volterra gives the board a solid foundation of facts and insights upon which we can make prioritised decisions. 

    “The board’s objective is to help to close current and future skills gaps so that all benefit from an improved local skills system, and this cannot be done without such a fact base.” 

    Find out more on the EESB and the report here.

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Armagh County Show highlights the strength of our Food Heartland

    Source: Northern Ireland City of Armagh

    Gosford Forest Park was buzzing with activity on Saturday 14th June as the Armagh County Show brought together the best of rural life. Organised by the Armagh Show Committee and supported by Council, this year’s event proved once again why the show is a cherished highlight of the agricultural calendar.

    Despite the wet weather, the show was a true celebration of farming, food, family, and fun, and welcomed farmers, producers, makers, and visitors of all ages to experience a full day of competitions, displays, demonstrations, and entertainment.

    From champion livestock and equestrian classes to mouth-watering local produce in the Food Heartland showcase and impressive machinery exhibitions, the show offered something for everyone.

    Lord Mayor, Alderman Stephen Moutray said: “The Armagh County Show continues to go from strength to strength, and it was a real pleasure to attend this year’s event and meet so many passionate individuals – from livestock exhibitors and food producers to volunteers and families enjoying the day out. Events like this are the heartbeat of our rural communities and play a vital role in sustaining our agricultural traditions while supporting our local economy. Huge congratulations to the organisers for another outstanding show.”

    Among the many highlights was the Food Heartland Showcase, which brought together some of the borough’s finest artisan producers and food businesses. Promoting the best of local food and drink, it proved a major draw for food lovers and those keen to sample and shop local.

    The Council is proud to support the Armagh County Show as part of its wider commitment to promoting the borough as Northern Ireland’s Food Heartland, recognising and celebrating the vital role the agri-food sector plays in local life and the regional economy.

    To learn more about the Food Heartland and its producers, contact:

    *protected email*

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Minister Joly welcomes Airbus’s sale of A220 aircraft to LOT Polish Airlines

    Source: Government of Canada News

    June 16, 2025 – Paris, France

    Today, the Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Industry and Minister responsible for Canada Economic Development for Quebec Regions, issued a statement congratulating Airbus and LOT Polish Airlines on their sales agreement regarding A220 aircraft.

    “Global trade is more uncertain and the geopolitical landscape is shifting, but Canada is forging ahead to strengthen ties with trusted partners—and strengthening the strategic industries that will anchor our economic security for decades to come.

    “Today’s announcement at the Paris Air Show about the sale of A220 aircraft to LOT Polish Airlines is great news for Canada and its aerospace workers.

    “This represents another in a long list of airlines adding the A220 to its fleet, a clear signal of international confidence in Canadian innovation and industrial strength.

    “The A220 is a made-in-Canada success story: designed and developed here, assembled in Mirabel, Quebec, and supported by a world-class Canadian supply chain and Canadian talent.

    “This is more than an aircraft sale. It’s a testament to the strength of the Canada-Poland and Canada-EU relationship in an increasingly competitive global economy.

    “The order will help create and maintain thousands of high-paying jobs across the country and reinforce global recognition for a Canadian aircraft that’s changing the game.

    “This is what we mean when we say the next era is about building in Canada—with Canada.”

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: New 3D Elevation Program Fact Sheet for Connecticut

    Source: US Geological Survey

    High-resolution elevation data are critical to Connecticut’s economy, enabling state and local governments, as well as academic and nongovernmental organizations, to make informed decisions on coastal zone management, flood risk, natural resource conservation, and much more.

    Quality level 2 or better lidar is available across the State as a result of partnership with the U.S. Geological Survey through the 3D Elevation Program. Quality level 1 lidar was also collected statewide in 2023.

    Download the new 3DEP State Fact Sheet to learn about available lidar and the many beneficial uses of the data. You can access the fact sheet through the linked button above and at the USGS publication page. Fact sheets for other states are also available in the 3DEP State Fact Sheet repository. 

    To view and access 3DEP lidar data, please visit the USGS LidarExplorer. To download these and other National Map products, please visit The National Map Downloader.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: LIFT Program Opens Applications in Business Loan Funding

    Source: US State of North Dakota

    The North Dakota Department of Commerce announces the opening of the Legacy Investment for Technology (LIFT) application process today, June 16. This funding opportunity drives economic growth in our state by fueling innovative North Dakota businesses.  

    The LIFT fund received a $10 million appropriation for the 2025-27 biennium. “We are grateful for the support from the North Dakota 69th Legislative Assembly” said Commerce Economic Development Deputy Director/Head of Investments and Innovation Shayden Akason. “Supporting North Dakota companies that are commercializing intellectual property continues to be a strong component of the state’s economic development.”

    LIFT is an innovation loan fund that supports technology advancement by providing financing for commercialization of intellectual property within the state of North Dakota. The use of the loan funds is available to enhance capacity and to the extent possible, leverage state, federal and private sources of funding.  

    Commerce collaborates with the Bank of North Dakota to manage and administer the loan fund. LIFT loan terms include 0% interest for the first three years of the loan, and 2% interest for the next two years, and an interest rate equal to a standard Bank of North Dakota loan for all subsequent years. The program is open to North Dakota companies working in advanced computing and data management, agriculture technology, autonomous and unmanned vehicles and technologies, energy, health care, value-added agriculture, value-added energy, and any area specifically identified by the LIFT committee as contributing to the diversification of the state’s economy.  

    Since its launch in 2019, the LIFT committee has awarded $44 million to 71 innovative companies, propelling North Dakota’s economic growth.

    Applications for the LIFT program will be accepted through July 25, 2025. 

    For more information, application guidelines and program details, visit https://belegendary.link/LIFT.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: FBI Sacramento Recognizes Elder Abuse Awareness Day and Warns Americans of Elder Fraud

    Source: US FBI

    Ahead of World Elder Abuse Awareness Day on June 15, the FBI is reminding elderly Americans and their loved ones about elder fraud. This type of fraud takes many forms as criminals seek to take advantage of this vulnerable and growing population. The FBI is committed to educating the public about these scams and investigating financial fraud schemes against seniors. Not only are there devastating financial consequences, but these victims and their loved ones can suffer great emotional and mental effects because of these scams. The FBI investigates financial scams targeting seniors, including investment scams, technical/customer support schemes, money mule and romance scams, and others. According to the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) data, in 2024 there was a total of $4.885 billion in losses from 147,127 complaints. This is a 46% increase in complaints from 2023, as well as a 43% increase in losses. In California, total losses were $832,710,048 in 2024. The FBI continues to work with our local and federal partners to tackle elder fraud and stop those who attempt to harm the elderly. “I urge every senior and their families to have open conversations about these scams and to scrutinize unsolicited mail, calls, e-mails, and text messages. Criminals are actively and aggressively targeting seniors, preying upon their trust to drain their life savings.” said FBI Sacramento Special Agent in Charge Sid Patel. “If you or someone you care about is a victim, report the crime to law enforcement. There is no shame in seeking help when you have been harmed and your information may prevent someone else from becoming a victim.” Seniors are frequently targeted by criminal actors, as they are often perceived to be more polite and trusting. These actors may also assume that seniors are more financially stable, own real estate, spend a great deal of time alone, and are less likely to report fraud if they feel ashamed or are unfamiliar with reporting channels such as IC3.gov. Fraud can happen to anyone, and small steps can be taken to protect yourself and your information:

    • Search online for the contact information (name, phone number, email, addresses) of any unknown source which reaches out to you, as well as the proposed offer. Verify the legitimacy of businesses on websites such as Better Business Bureau. Other people have likely posted information online about businesses and individuals attempting to run scams.
    • Resist the pressure to act quickly. Scammers create a sense of urgency to lure victims into immediate action, typically by instilling trust and inducing empathy or fear, or the promise of monetary gains, companionship, or employment opportunities.
    • Be cautious of unsolicited phone calls, mailings, and door-to-door service offers.
    • Never give or send to unverified people or businesses any personally identifiable information, money, checks, gift cards, or wire information.
    • Take precautionary measures to protect your identity should a criminal gain access to your device or account. Immediately contact your financial institutions to place protections on your accounts and monitor for suspicious activity.

    If you believe you are a victim of fraud, or know a senior who may be—regardless of financial loss—immediately report the incident to your local FBI field office or other law enforcement agency, or

    Resources:

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI: Purpose XRP ETF Receives OSC Receipt, Set to Launch on TSX on Wednesday, June 18, 2025

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    TORONTO, June 16, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Purpose Investments Inc. (“Purpose”) is pleased to announce that it has received a final prospectus receipt for the Purpose XRP ETF, marking a significant milestone in the evolution of digital asset investing in Canada. The ETF is expected to begin trading on the Toronto Stock Exchange under the ticker XRPP on Wednesday, June 18.

    The Purpose XRP ETF will offer investors direct exposure to spot XRP, the native token of the XRP Ledger – a decentralized, open-source blockchain designed to facilitate fast and cost-effective cross-border payments. With this approval, Purpose continues to broaden access to digital assets through regulated and transparent investment vehicles.

    “The OSC’s granting of a receipt for the Purpose XRP ETF prospectus reinforces Canada’s global leadership in building a regulated digital asset ecosystem,” said Vlad Tasevski, Chief Innovation Officer at Purpose Investments. “We’re proud to continue pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in the space by offering investors simple, secure access to the infrastructure powering real-world blockchain adoption.”

    The ETF will be available in CAD-hedged (ticker XRPP), CAD non-hedged (ticker XRPP.B), and US dollar (ticker XRPP.U) units, and will be eligible for holding in registered accounts such as TFSAs and RRSPs.

    About Purpose Investments

    Purpose Investments is an asset management company with over $24 billion in assets under management, focused on client-centric innovation across ETFs and investment funds. Purpose is a division of Purpose Unlimited, an independent financial technology company led by entrepreneur Som Seif.

    For further information, please email us at info@purposeinvest.com.

    Media inquiries:
    Keera Hart
    keera.hart@kaiserpartners.com
    905-580-1257

    This offering is made only by prospectus. The prospectus contains important detailed information about the securities being offered. Copies of the prospectus may be obtained from purposeinvest.com. Investors should read the prospectus before making an investment decision.

    The content of this document is for informational purposes only and is not being provided in the context of an offering of any securities described herein, nor is it a recommendation or solicitation to buy, hold or sell any security. Information contained in this document is not, and under no circumstances is it to be construed as, an offering memorandum, prospectus, advertisement or public offering of securities. No securities commission or similar regulatory authority has reviewed this information, and any representation to the contrary is an offence. The information contained in this document is believed to be accurate and reliable; however, we cannot guarantee that it is complete or current at all times. The information provided is subject to change without notice.

    Commissions, trailing commissions, management fees and expenses may all be associated with investment fund investments. Please read the prospectus and other disclosure documents before investing. There can be no assurance that the full amount of your investment in a fund will be returned to you. If the securities are purchased or sold on a stock exchange, you may pay more or receive less than the current net asset value. Investment funds are not guaranteed; their values change frequently, and past performance may not be repeated. Crypto assets can be extremely volatile, and there is no guarantee that the amount invested will be returned to you.

    Certain statements in this document may be forward-looking. Forward-looking statements (“FLS”) are statements that are predictive in nature, depend on or refer to future events or conditions, or that include words such as “may,” “will,” “should,” “could,” “expect,” “anticipate,” “intend,” “plan,” “believe,” “estimate” or other similar expressions. Statements that look forward in time or include anything other than historical information are subject to risks and uncertainties, and actual results, actions or events could differ materially from those set forth in the FLS. FLS are not guarantees of future performance and are, by their nature, based on numerous assumptions. Although the FLS contained in this document are based upon what Purpose Investments believes to be reasonable assumptions, Purpose Investments cannot assure that actual results will be consistent with these FLS. The reader is cautioned to consider the FLS carefully and not to place undue reliance on the FLS. Unless required by applicable law, it is not undertaken, and specifically disclaimed, that there is any intention or obligation to update or revise FLS, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Apollo Capital Wins Proxy Contest at MediPharm Labs

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    MediPharm Labs’ Board’s Material and Unprecedented Breaches of Securities Laws Are Part of Their Undoing

    Apollo Capital’s Entire Slate of Board Nominees Constitute the New Board of Directors for MediPharm Labs Effective Today

    TORONTO, June 16, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Apollo Technology Capital Corporation (“Apollo Capital” or “Apollo”), which together with its affiliates and associates collectively is one of the largest shareholders of MediPharm Labs Corp. (TSX: LABS) (OTCQB: MEDIF) (FSE: MLZ) (“MediPharm”, “MediPharm Labs”, or the “Company”), owning approximately 3% of the Company’s common stock, announced today that it considers the results of MediPharm Labs’ 2025 Annual and Special Meeting of shareholders (“Annual Meeting”) a clear victory for Apollo, as all of MediPharm’s proxies – solicited using the green proxy form – are illegal and invalid under securities law and cannot be counted.

    Apollo Capital has been advised by its legal counsel that MediPharm’s solicitation of proxies in connection with the Annual Meeting is illegal due to material non-compliance with the notice-and-access laws under Section 2.7.1(2) of National Instrument 54-101 – Communication with Beneficial Owners of Securities of a Reporting Issuer (“NI 54-101”), since MediPharm illegally included additional materials in its proxy mailing that are expressly prohibited under Section 2.7.1(1)(a) of NI 54-101.

    These legal failures, which MediPharm has itself acknowledged, are not curable under the law, and demonstrate yet again MediPharm’s complete disregard for its shareholders and the law, in favor of the incumbent board’s personal interests. Given that MediPharm did not restart the election process and re-mail compliant materials to all shareholders at least 21 days in advance of the Annual Meeting, as clearly required under securities law, all proxies submitted on the green proxy card or voting instruction form were illegally solicited and must lawfully be declared invalid and discarded by Meeting Chair Chris Halyk. Apollo Capital’s GOLD proxies are therefore the only valid proxies on record.

    Meeting Chair Mr. Halyk testified under oath that he would not favor MediPharm over the dissident shareholders in his role and affirmed that he owes a fiduciary duty to all shareholders. As Chair, Mr. Halyk does not have the authority to waive illegal activity. If Mr. Halyk does not want to further implicate himself in this tainted and illegal process, the only course of action for him is to officially declare that any votes solicited using MediPharm’s green proxy form or voting instruction form are illegal under securities law and cannot be counted.

    MediPharm committed to obeying the law at the June 16, 2025 Annual Meeting when appearing before the Honorable Madame Justice Dietrich on June 10, 2025. Apollo is fully expecting MediPharm to comply with the commitment that it made to Justice Dietrich and vacate the board in favor of the Apollo nominees today, as is required by law.

    “This is not a legal technicality. This is an unprecedented breach of securities laws governing proxy solicitation meant to ensure each shareholder is fairly and consistently informed. We have never before seen such an egregious breach of these laws. This alone underscores the urgent need for new leadership at MediPharm. MediPharm’s board of directors (the “Board”) continues to act in unlawful and nefarious ways to further entrench and enrich themselves at shareholders’ expense,” said Regan McGee of Apollo Capital.

    With management’s green proxy cards and voting instruction forms invalid as a result of MediPharm’s illegal solicitation of proxies, the outcome of the election is unequivocal: Apollo Capital’s GOLD card has won. Apollo Capital has adhered fully to the rules governing proxy solicitation, conducted a fair and lawful election process, and – given that its GOLD proxy cards are the only valid proxies under applicable securities laws – Apollo Capital has secured victory in its campaign to restore value, integrity, legal compliance and leadership at MediPharm Labs.

    +++

    “MediPharm’s current leadership has presided over massive value destruction, poor governance, repeated strategic missteps and credible securities fraud allegations. Now, the same leadership stands behind a corrupt, tainted and illegal proxy process and tactics aimed at silencing shareholders and further entrenching themselves. Shareholder rights and the integrity of the vote have not been protected. MediPharm’s shareholders deserve better,” said Regan McGee of Apollo Capital.

    “During this proxy contest, MediPharm’s management and Board have repeatedly undermined a fair process through unlawful procedural violations, obstructionist tactics, and a disregard for basic principles of corporate governance. The premise for their entire campaign was to spread disinformation to their own shareholders. This is not the behavior of a Board acting in good faith or in the best interests of shareholders – it’s the behavior of entrenched directors desperate to cling to power at any cost. This is why the Board went to such great lengths to block the appointment of an independent chair. While we respectfully don’t agree with the decision to allow Mr. Halyk to act as the Meeting Chair, we will see if he rightfully declares the GOLD proxy cards the only valid ones.

    The law is crystal clear: if you break the notice-and-access laws, the proxies you solicit are illegal and invalid.

    Now that Apollo’s nominees have won the proxy contest and constitute the lawful board of directors of MediPharm Labs, we look forward to working with all shareholders to turn the Company around, work to get the share price back to over $1 per share and build MediPharm into the world’s leading medical cannabis company,” said Regan McGee of Apollo Capital.

    Contacts

    For Shareholders:
    Carson Proxy
    North American Toll-Free Phone: 1-800-530-5189
    Local or Text Message: 416-751-2066 (collect calls accepted)
    E: info@carsonproxy.com

    For Media:
    media@curemedipharm.com

    This solicitation is being made by and on behalf of Apollo Capital, who, as of the date of this Circular, beneficially owns or controls, directly and indirectly through its wholly-owned subsidiary, Nobul Technologies Inc., 12,491,500 common shares of the Company (“Common Shares”), representing approximately 3% of the total Common Shares issued and outstanding, and not by the management of the Company.

    Legal Disclosures

    Information in Support of Public Broadcast Exemption under Canadian Law

    In connection with the Annual Meeting of shareholders of MediPharm, Apollo Capital has filed an amended and restated dissident information circular dated May 15, 2025 (the “Circular”), as amended and supplemented by an addendum to the Circular subsequently filed by Apollo Capital and Patrick McCutcheon (together, the “Concerned Stakeholder”) dated June 4, 2025 (the “Addendum” and together with the Circular, the “Amended Circular”), each in compliance with applicable corporate and securities laws. The Concerned Stakeholder has provided in, or incorporated by reference into, this press release the disclosure required under section 9.2(4) of NI 51-102 – Continuous Disclosure Obligations (“NI 51-102”) and the corresponding exemption under the Business Corporations Act (Ontario), and has filed the Amended Circular, available under MediPharm’s profile on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca. The Amended Circular contains disclosure prescribed by applicable corporate law and disclosure required under section 9.2(6) of NI 51-102 in respect of the Concerned Stakeholder’s director nominees, in accordance with corporate and securities laws applicable to public broadcast solicitations. The Amended Circular is hereby incorporated by reference into this press release and is available under MediPharm’s profile on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca. The registered office of the Company is 151 John Street, Barrie, Ontario, Canada L4N 2L1.

    SHAREHOLDERS OF MEDIPHARM ARE URGED TO READ THE AMENDED CIRCULAR CAREFULLY BECAUSE IT CONTAINS IMPORTANT INFORMATION. Investors and shareholders are able to obtain free copies of the Amended Circular and any amendments or supplements thereto and further proxy circulars at no charge under MediPharm’s profile on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca. In addition, shareholders are also able to obtain free copies of the Amended Circular and other relevant documents by contacting the Concerned Stakeholder’s proxy solicitor, Carson Proxy Advisors Ltd. (“Carson Proxy”) at 1-800-530-5189, local (collect outside North America): 416-751-2066 or by email at info@carsonproxy.com. Finally, the Amended Circular is available on this website https://www.curemedipharm.com/historical-filing/investor-flyer.

    Proxies may be revoked in accordance with subsection 110(4) of the Business Corporations Act (Ontario) by a registered shareholder of Company shares: (a) by completing and signing a valid proxy bearing a later date and returning it in accordance with the instructions contained in the accompanying form of proxy; (b) by depositing an instrument in writing executed by the shareholder or by the shareholder’s attorney authorized in writing; (c) by transmitting by telephonic or electronic means a revocation that is signed by electronic signature in accordance with applicable law, as the case may be: (i) at the registered office of the Company at any time up to and including the last business day preceding the day the Annual Meeting or any adjournment or postponement of the Annual Meeting is to be held, or (ii) with the chair of the Annual Meeting on the day of the Annual Meeting or any adjournment or postponement of the Annual Meeting; or (d) in any other manner permitted by law. In addition, proxies may be revoked by a non-registered holder of Company shares at any time by written notice to the intermediary in accordance with the instructions given to the non-registered holder by its intermediary. It should be noted that revocation of proxies or voting instructions by a non-registered holder can take several days or even longer to complete and, accordingly, any such revocation should be completed well in advance of the deadline prescribed in the form of proxy or voting instruction form to ensure it is given effect in respect of the Annual Meeting.

    The costs incurred in the preparation and mailing of any circular or proxy solicitation by the Concerned Stakeholder and any other participants named herein will be borne directly and indirectly by Apollo Capital. However, to the extent permitted under applicable law, Apollo Capital intends to seek reimbursement from the Company of all expenses incurred in connection with the solicitation of proxies for the election of its director nominees at the Annual Meeting.

    This press release and any solicitation made by the Concerned Stakeholder is, or will be, as applicable, made by such parties, and not by or on behalf of the management of the Company. Proxies may be solicited by proxy circular, mail, telephone, email or other electronic means, as well as by newspaper or other media advertising and in person by managers, directors, officers and employees of the Concerned Stakeholder who will not be specifically remunerated therefor. In addition, the Concerned Stakeholder may solicit proxies by way of public broadcast, including press release, speech or publication and any other manner permitted under applicable Canadian laws, and may engage the services of one or more agents and authorize other persons to assist it in soliciting proxies on their behalf.

    Apollo Capital has entered into an agreement with Carson Proxy for solicitation and advisory services in connection with the solicitation of proxies by the Concerned Stakeholder for the Annual Meeting, for which Carson Proxy will receive a fee from Apollo Capital not to exceed $250,000, together with reimbursement for reasonable and out-of-pocket expenses. Apollo Capital has also engaged Gasthalter & Co. LP (“G&Co”) to act as communications consultant to provide the Concerned Stakeholder with certain communications, public relations and related services, for which G&Co will receive, from Apollo Capital, a minimum fee of US$75,000 in addition to a performance fee of US$250,000 in the event that the Concerned Stakeholder’s nominees make up a majority of the Board following the Annual Meeting, plus excess fees, related costs and expenses.

    No member of the Concerned Stakeholder nor any of their respective associates or affiliates has or has had any material interest, direct or indirect, in any transaction since the beginning of the Company’s last completed financial year or in any proposed transaction that has materially affected or will or would materially affect the Company or any of the Company’s affiliates. No member of the Concerned Stakeholder nor any of their respective associates or affiliates has any material interest, direct or indirect, by way of beneficial ownership of securities or otherwise, in any matter to be acted upon at the Annual Meeting, other than setting the number of directors and the election of directors to the Board.

    Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

    This press release contains forward‐looking statements. All statements contained in this filing that are not clearly historical in nature or that necessarily depend on future events are forward‐looking, and the words “anticipate,” “believe,” “expect,” “estimate,” “plan,” and similar expressions are generally intended to identify forward‐looking statements. These statements are based on current expectations of the Concerned Stakeholder and currently available information. They are not guarantees of future performance, involve certain risks and uncertainties that are difficult to predict, and are based upon assumptions as to future events that may not prove to be accurate. All forward-looking statements contained herein are made only as of the date hereof and the Concerned Stakeholder disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any such forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances that subsequently occur, or of which the Concerned Stakeholder hereafter becomes aware, except as required by applicable law.

    Hashtags: #ShareholderActivism #CorporateGovernance #InvestorProtection #Investor Alert #Investor Fraud #FinancialRegulation #CorporateCrime #FinancialCrime #HomelandSecurity #DHS #OpioidCrisis #OpioidEpidemic #OpioidLitigation #OpioidVictims #BMO #DEA #ONDCP

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Attorney General James Secures $250,000 from MoneyGram for Violating Consumer Protection Laws

    Source: US State of New York

    EW YORK – New York Attorney General Letitia James today secured $250,000 from MoneyGram International, Inc., and MoneyGram Payment Systems, Inc., (MoneyGram) for failing to follow consumer protection laws and jeopardizing their customers’ money transfers. MoneyGram is an international money transfer provider that serves hundreds of thousands of customers in the United States every year. In April 2022, Attorney General James and the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) sued MoneyGram for failing to either transfer funds on time or provide timely refunds, and for ignoring its legal requirements to swiftly and accurately investigate errors. After CFPB chose to end its participation in the lawsuit, Attorney General James secured a settlement with MoneyGram requiring it to pay a $250,000 penalty and follow all relevant consumer protection laws.

    “New Yorkers who want to send funds to their loved ones abroad should be able to trust that the companies handling their hard-earned money are operating honestly,” said Attorney General James. “MoneyGram failed to follow the law for years, sometimes leaving its customers in the dark about where their money went. My office stopped MoneyGram’s illegal behavior and will continue to protect those who rely on MoneyGram to support their families.” 

    MoneyGram is a non-bank financial services company that enables consumers to send money, known as remittances, from the United States to more than 200 countries and territories. The company has 440,000 locations in the U.S. and worldwide, and also operates through a digital platform. Hundreds of thousands of New Yorkers use MoneyGram every year for millions of transactions.

    The Office of the Attorney General (OAG) and CFPB sued MoneyGram in April 2022, alleging that MoneyGram violated state and federal laws meant to protect its customers. For years, MoneyGram failed to make funds available to its customers on time, quickly resolve errors, or provide accurate information to its customers, in violation of the law.

    The settlement with OAG ensures that MoneyGram does not escape accountability for its illegal actions impacting New Yorkers, despite CFPB’s decision to withdraw from the lawsuit. The settlement requires MoneyGram to comply with consumer protection laws by transferring funds and processing refunds on time. It also requires MoneyGram to ensure that disclosures to consumers are accurate and to investigate errors in a timely fashion. In addition, MoneyGram is prohibited from providing money senders with inaccurate disclosures and telling consumers that they are not liable for errors. In addition to complying with the law, MoneyGram must pay a penalty of $250,000.

    This case was handled by Assistant Attorneys General Laura C. Dismore and Christopher McCall and former Assistant Attorney General Jason Meizlish of the Consumer Frauds and Protection Bureau. The Consumer Frauds and Protection Bureau is led by Bureau Chief Jane Azia and Deputy Bureau Chief Laura Levine and is part of the Division for Economic Justice, which is led by Chief Deputy Attorney General Chris D’Angelo and First Deputy Attorney General Jennifer Levy.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI: AIXA Miner Launches AI-Powered Cloud Mining Platform with FinCEN MSB Certification

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    AIXA Miner Image

    NEW YORK, June 16, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — AIXA MINER CLOUD MINING INVESTMENT LTD (“AIXA Miner”), a U.S.-based cloud mining platform, has launched its latest phase of operations featuring artificial intelligence–driven services for Bitcoin (BTC), Litecoin (LTC), and Dogecoin (DOGE). The company is officially registered as a Money Services Business (MSB) with the U.S. Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN), reinforcing its position as a compliant mining operation under U.S. financial regulations.

    Founded in 2020, AIXA Miner operates over 100 data centers across North America, Europe, and Asia. All sites are powered by renewable energy sources, including monocrystalline solar panels and wind systems. The platform integrates AI cloud mining algorithms with cutting-edge GPU and ASIC technology to provide secure, automated mining services without requiring users to purchase or manage hardware.

    Mining begins in three steps: users create an account, select a contract plan, and automatically receive mining returns daily. Plan options include:

    • DOGE Beginner Plan
    • LTC Free Trial
    • BTC Plan
    • June Promotion

    AIXA Miner’s infrastructure leverages high-performance GPUs from NVIDIA and AMD for optimized energy efficiency. All operations run on a global network of 24/7 monitored data centers and adhere to environmentally responsible practices.

    Technological Advantages and Global Operations

    • Cutting-Edge GPU Technology: Incorporates the latest NVIDIA and AMD GPUs for optimized performance with reduced energy consumption.
    • Global Data Center Network: Distributed across three continents to enable uninterrupted 24/7 mining operations.
    • Clean Energy Solutions: Mining infrastructure is fully powered by renewable energy sources to support carbon-conscious computing.
    • AI Cloud Mining: Machine learning algorithms are utilized to enhance efficiency and resource management across all mining tasks.

    Security and transparency are prioritized through the use of cold wallet storage and third-party protections including McAfee® SECURE and Cloudflare® SECURE. The mining team comprises experienced IT engineers and blockchain professionals.

    With its regulatory certification, clean energy model, and automated infrastructure, AIXA Miner aims to deliver accessible and compliant cloud mining services to a global user base.

    Media Contact:
    like.Mikkelsen
    AIXA Miner Cloud Mining Investment Ltd
    like.Mikkelsen@aixaminer.com
    https://aixaminer.com/

    A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/590ac217-47b8-422c-92b4-7d606015aa01

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Jayapal Statement on the Dissolution of the Resilient Columbia Basin Agreement

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Pramila Jayapal (7th District of Washington)

    SEATTLE, WA — U.S. Representative Pramila Jayapal (WA-07) released the following statement on the dissolution of the Resilient Columbia Basin Agreement between the Federal Government, Tribes and the states of Washington and Oregon for the management and restoration of the Columbia River Basin:

    “This Executive Order represents the careless discarding of many years of work on the Columbia-Snake River system between the Federal Government, Pacific Northwest Tribes, and the states of Oregon and Washington to address energy, irrigation, environmental, and recreation challenges. Salmon play an essential role in our ecosystem, our community, Tribal culture, and our economy. Breaking up this historic agreement will harm salmon protection efforts — also impacting efforts to recover endangered Southern Resident killer whale populations, jeopardize energy stability and production, and fly in the face of our commitments to our Tribal Nations. 

    “This agreement had been a major accomplishment for the Northwest, and Trump’s moves to pull the Departments of Energy, the Interior, and Commerce out of binding agreements come after months of inaction to fulfill the commitments made in the Resilient Columbia Basin Agreement. Instead of supporting federal agencies’ implementation of the agreement, the Trump administration gutted federal funding for programs like Columbia River Fish Mitigation, forced out career federal employees at agencies like the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, and undermined the use of science within the federal government.

    “My office has been in close communication with many stakeholders impacted by and involved in the health of and operations on the Columbia-Snake River system. We must continue to work in partnership with conservationists to support regional sovereigns and use all available tools to prevent salmon extinction, rebuild salmon populations to healthy abundance, and create a more resilient energy future.”

    Issues: Environment

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Virginia Ranked Eleventh in Nation for Elder Fraud

    Source: US FBI

    FBI Norfolk Field Office Provides Guidance to Seniors and Caregivers

    NORFOLK—Ahead of World Elder Abuse Awareness Day on June 15, the FBI is reminding elderly Americans and their loved ones about elder fraud. This type of fraud takes many forms as criminals seek to take advantage of this vulnerable and growing population. The FBI is committed to educating the public about these scams and investigating financial fraud schemes against seniors. Not only are there devastating financial consequences, but these victims and their loved ones can suffer great emotional and mental effects because of these scams.

    The FBI investigates financial scams targeting seniors, including investment scams, technical/customer support schemes, money mule and romance scams, and others. According to the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) data, in 2024 there was a total of $4.885 billion in losses from 147,127 complaints. This is a 46% increase in complaints from 2023, as well as a 43% increase in losses. In Virginia, total losses were $106,575,141 for those 60 years and older in 2024. Virginia ranked eleventh for overall losses, totaling 3,841 complaints in that age group. The FBI continues to work with our local and federal partners to tackle elder fraud and stop those who attempt to harm the elderly.

    “Elder abuse isn’t just a betrayal of trust—it’s a serious crime that shatters the safety and dignity of those who helped build our communities. At FBI Norfolk, we are committed to working side by side with local and state partners to detect, investigate, and bring to justice those who exploit our elderly. We must all remain vigilant—and speak up—because protecting seniors is not just law enforcement’s duty, it’s a moral imperative,” said Dominique Evans, special agent in charge, FBI Norfolk

    Seniors are frequently targeted by criminal actors, as they are often perceived to be more polite and trusting. These actors may also assume that seniors are more financially stable, own real estate, spend a great deal of time alone, and are less likely to report fraud if they feel ashamed or are unfamiliar with reporting channels such as IC3.gov.

    Fraud can happen to anyone, and small steps can be taken to protect yourself and your information:

    • Search online for the contact information (name, phone number, email, addresses) of any unknown source which reaches out to you, as well as the proposed offer. Verify the legitimacy of businesses on websites such as Better Business Bureau. Other people have likely posted information online about businesses and individuals attempting to run scams.
    • Resist the pressure to act quickly. Scammers create a sense of urgency to lure victims into immediate action, typically by instilling trust and inducing empathy or fear, or the promise of monetary gains, companionship, or employment opportunities.
    • Be cautious of unsolicited phone calls, mailings, and door-to-door service offers.
    • Never give or send to unverified people or businesses any personally-identifiable information, money, checks, gift cards, or wire information.
    • Take precautionary measures to protect your identity should a criminal gain access to your device or account. Immediately contact your financial institutions to place protections on your accounts and monitor for suspicious activity.

    If you believe you are a victim of fraud, or know a senior who may be—regardless of financial loss—immediately report the incident to your local FBI field office or other law enforcement agency, or

    Resources:

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: EU agencies help take down largest illegal trading platform for drugs

    Source: European Union 2

    The dark web marketplace was active for over five years. Archetyp was one of the only platforms to allow the sale of fentanyl and other synthetic opioids. The marketplace had around 17 000 listings online, and with more than 600 000 users, it is considered one of the largest of its kind.

    Investigations into Archetyp revealed that its creator and current administrator is a German national residing in Spain. International cooperation between authorities, financial tracking and digital evidence analysis led to the identification of the people behind Archetyp. Investigators discovered the location of the servers, moderators and vendors on the marketplace. A coordinated action week was planned to dismantle Archetyp and arrest those responsible for selling and operating the platform, under the coordination of Eurojust and Europol.

    The action week took place between 11 and 13 June, targeting the platform’s administrator, moderators, key vendors and the servers running the website. Coordinated actions in five countries, carried out by around 300 officers, resulted in the arrest of the thirty year old administrator in Spain, seven other persons and the seizure of assets worth EUR 7.8 million. By taking Archetyp offline, authorities have dealt a severe blow to drug traffickers in Europe.

    Eurojust ensured the international investigation was efficient and effective. The Agency organised multiple coordination meetings, which enabled authorities to exchange critical information for the investigation. During the action days and the preliminary investigations, Eurojust coordinated the execution of mutual legal assistance and European Investigation Orders.

    Europol supported the investigation from the outset, facilitating the exchange of intelligence, conducting extensive cross-checks and helping to identify high-value targets. On the action days, Europol deployed a dark web specialist to Germany and set up a virtual command post to coordinate field activities and ensure real-time deconfliction across jurisdictions.

    The following authorities, with the support of the United States, carried out the operation:

    • Germany: Prosecutor General’s Office Frankfurt am Main – Cyber Crime Center; Federal Criminal Police Office
    • Netherlands: Public Prosecutor’s Office of Rotterdam; National Police, Unit Police Unit Rotterdam
    • Spain: Investigative Court num 10 in Barcelona; International Cooperation Section of PPO Barcelona; National Police
    • Sweden: Swedish Prosecution Authority; National Public Prosecution Department, National Unit against Organised Crime in Gothenburg; Swedish National Police; National Operations Department / Swedish Cybercrime Unit
    • Romania: Directorate for Investigating Organised Crime and Terrorism (DIICOT); National Police

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: Qatar Calls on International Community to Continue Mobilizing Resources to Ensure Decent Life for Afghan People

    Source: Government of Qatar

    Geneva, June 16, 2025

    The State of Qatar called on the international community to continue mobilizing financial and technical resources and to fully fund the Afghanistan Humanitarian Needs and Response Plan to help ensure a dignified life for the Afghan people.

    This came in a statement delivered by Deputy Permanent Representative of the Permanent Delegation of the State of Qatar to the United Nations (UN) Office in Geneva Juhara bint Abdulaziz Al Suwaidi during her participation in the interactive dialogue with the Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in Afghanistan held as part of the 59th session of the Human Rights Council (HRC) in Geneva.

    Al Suwaidi affirmed the State of Qatar’s continued commitment as an active international partner, highlighting that through its mediation efforts and by hosting the Special Envoys on Afghanistan meetings under the auspices of the UN, the State of Qatar succeeded in enhancing international consensus on many key issues and continued to provide humanitarian and development aid to alleviate the humanitarian suffering of the Afghan people.

    She highlighted the State of Qatar’s commitment to including human rights issues in its discussions with Afghan parties, particularly in supporting and promoting the participation of Afghan women in the peacebuilding process, ensuring their right to education and equal employment opportunities, as well as protecting the rights of all segments of Afghan society.

    The Afghan people endured decades of conflict, natural disasters, and terrorism, she added, pointing out that Afghanistan is currently facing numerous humanitarian, social, political, security, and economic challenges, which in turn affect efforts to promote and protect human rights.

    The Deputy Permanent Representative of the Permanent Delegation of the State of Qatar to the UN Office stressed that addressing these challenges requires intensified efforts to rebuild Afghan institutions, ensure continued humanitarian and development assistance for the Afghan people, and maintain dialogue and engagement with all Afghan parties to reach solutions that foster greater stability and growth.

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Federal Court Orders Texas Firm to Pay Over $100 Million to Customers Defrauded in Cattle Fraud Scheme

    Source: US Commodity Futures Trading Commission

    WASHINGTON, D.C. — The Commodity Futures Trading Commission today announced the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Texas entered a final judgment and consent order imposing a permanent injunction and equitable remedies against Agridime LLC, a Texas firm now in receivership. 
     
    The consent order requires Agridime to pay $102,936,904 in restitution and permanently enjoins Agridime from engaging in conduct that violates the Commodity Exchange Act and CFTC regulations, as charged, and permanently bans Agridime from registering with the CFTC and from solicitating and trading in any CFTC-regulated markets. 
     
    The consent order further states the restitution obligation shall be satisfied by the collection efforts and resulting distributions by the receiver appointed in the parallel SEC action to defrauded customers. [SEC v. Agridime LLC, et al., 4:23-cv-01224-P (N.D. Tex. Dec. 11, 2023)].
     
    The CFTC also announced the court entered a final judgment by default against Agridime’s co-founders, Joshua Link and Jed Wood. The default judgment orders Link to pay disgorgement of $815,327.92 and Wood to pay disgorgement of $1,472,127.92. These disgorgement amounts represent gains received, respectively, by Link and Wood in connection with the violations alleged in the CFTC’s May 2024 complaint. [See CFTC Press Release No. 8911-24]. The default judgment further states that Link and Wood shall make payments of their disgorgement obligations, and any post-judgment interest payments, to the receiver for distribution to defrauded customers. The default judgment also permanently enjoins Link and Wood from further violating the CEA and CFTC regulations, as charged, and imposes trading and registration bans.
     
    The CFTC cautions that orders requiring repayment of funds to victims may not result in the recovery of any money lost because the wrongdoers may not have sufficient funds or assets. The CFTC will continue to fight vigorously for the protection of customers and to ensure the wrongdoers are held accountable.
     
    Case Background
    The consent order and default judgment stem from a CFTC complaint filed against the defendants Agridime, Link, and Wood in May 2024.  [See CFTC Press Release No. 8911-24]. The complaint alleged the defendants engaged in a scheme to defraud customers by soliciting, accepting, and using customer funds to pay other customers in the nature of a Ponzi scheme, rather than for the purposes Agridime said the funds would be used, in connection with contracts of sale of a commodity in interstate commerce (i.e., the customer’s purchase of cattle). 
     
    According to the complaint, Agridime represented that customers’ funds would be used only for the purchase, raising, and feeding of the purchased cattle. Instead, because Agridime did not buy the number of cattle required to fulfill its obligations under the livestock contracts, Agridime had to use  recently collected customers’ funds to pay the guaranteed profits of earlier customers. In addition, as further alleged in the complaint, customers’ funds were also used to pay millions in undisclosed commissions to Agridime personnel, including Link and Wood.  Link’s and Wood’s disgorgement obligations are based on the gains they received in connection with their fraud, including undisclosed commissions.
     
    The Division of Enforcement thanks the Fort Worth Regional Office of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the Arizona Corporation Commission’s Securities Division, for their assistance in this matter. 
     
    The Division of Enforcement staff responsible for this case are Janine Gargiulo, Nicole Buseman, Judith M. Slowly, Trevor Kokal, Lenel Hickson, Jr., Manal M. Sultan, Charles D. Marvine, and former employee David W. MacGregor.
     
    * * * * * *
    CFTC’s Fraud Advisories
     
    The CFTC has issued several customer protection advisories and articles, including information about forex, precious metals, and romance scams. Visit CFTC.gov to read more about these highly prevalent frauds.
     
    The CFTC also strongly urges the public to verify a company’s registration with the CFTC before committing funds. If unregistered, a customer should be wary of providing funds to that entity. A company’s registration status can be found using NFA BASIC.
     
    Customers and other individuals can report suspicious activities or information, such as possible violations of commodity trading laws, to the Division of Enforcement via a toll-free hotline 866-FON-CFTC (866-366-2382) or file a tip or complaint online or contact the Whistleblower Office. Whistleblowers may be eligible to receive between 10 and 30 percent of the monetary sanctions collected, paid from the Customer Protection Fund financed through monetary sanctions paid to the CFTC by violators of the CEA.

    MIL OSI USA News –